The warm weather is here. If you haven’t already checked your plumbing systems now is a good time to do it. You have both outside and inside items of the home to check.
Exterior Tips
1. If you have an Irrigation System Here Are Some Good Tips To Clean It Up.
- Turn off they system and remove the individual nozzles from one zone.
- Run water through the zone for a few minutes until a clean, clear stream of water flows from each sprinkler head.
- Turn off the water.
- Take a part the nozzles (by hand or with a screwdriver) and clean away any dirt or deposits.
- Rinse out any filter screens or baskets.
- Reassemble and replace all the parts.
- Turn on water to the zone again to check that everything is leak-free and operating properly.
- Repeat the procedure for the other zones.
2. Gutters: Make sure to clear out the gutter and downspouts. If not properly cleaned it can lead to blockages and could cause water damage and even mold growth.
3. Check the outside hose bibs and faucets: You will want to check faucets for drips and leaks.
Interior Tips
1. Check The Toilets: It is vital to check a toilet for leaks, to do this, drop some food coloring into the tank and wait an hour to see if the bowl water changes color. If that happens, it means the toilet is leaking. This can waste a great deal of water and raise monthly water bills. Our plumbers can easily fix the problem. Also, it is important to make sure the toilet is properly flushing. If it is necessary to wiggle the handle, it’s time to replace one or more of the parts inside the tank.
2. My Favorite, Cleaning the Showerhead: Many homes have water filled with minerals that deposit over time. Vinegar can be used to open the clogs in a showerhead. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead. After soaking overnight, the mineral deposits should be gone.
3. Make sure all drains have strainers that prevent clogs. If you are like me with a lot of hair you’ll need it in the shower for sure. Bathroom pipes can collect hair and soap, and kitchen pipes may collect pieces of food. These can lead to blockages that must be opened by a plumber.
4. Inspect all pipes: Bathroom and kitchen sinks often have pipes you can easily see by opening the cabinets underneath. It is vital to inspect all pipes for leaks. Replacing damaged pipes will avoid expensive water damage.
5. Check the washing machine and dishwasher: The washing machine and dishwasher are two appliances that contain many hoses. Check for bulges or leaks in these hoses, and if there are any signs of weakness, or if the items are older than 10 years, it is wise to replace them. This will avoid messy leaks.
6. Inspect the water heater: It is essential to make sure the water heater’s temperature setting is not above 120 degrees. This will prevent scalding and save energy. Also, it’s important to flush and clean your water heater every 6 months. If you don’t sediment builds and causes corrosion and lowers efficiency.
The above tips are just a few easy ways to get your home plumbing ready for spring and summer. If you find yourself overwhelmed by repairs that may be too difficult, our qualified plumbers will be able to solve the problem quickly and efficiently.
We are here for you!