Spring is a time of new beginnings, which is why it's often started by cleaning the house. Spring cleaning gives us the chance to shake off the cobwebs and dust that accumulated over the winter and enjoy the rest of our year.
While this time is primarily used to make the home more presentable, the inner workings are often forgotten. Below we have developed a list of plumbing tasks you should accomplish during your spring cleaning to prevent expensive problems popping up later in the year.
Check for Leaks
Unchecked leaks can damage ceilings, carpet, hardwood flooring and cause water stains. However, all the damages aren't just superficial as they can also cause significant structural damage, start electrical fires, and lead to mold growth.
To ensure your home doesn't have any leaks, it's best to check all your faucets. If you find water is pooling under the sink or dripping off the pipes after running your tap, you may have a leak. Another way to check if you're losing water is to wipe the connections and piping with toilet paper. If the TP absorbs water during this process, you have a leak. This same technique can be used for pipes anywhere in your home.
When it comes to a leaky toilet, a great way to find out if it's losing water is by putting drops of food dye into your tank. If, after an hour, you find that the dye has ended up in the bowl itself, water is escaping somewhere in the system.
If you spot a leak in your plumbing, it's best to contact an experienced plumber, like the ones at EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC, who can tell you if a simple repair will get the job done or if a replacement is necessary.
Inspect Appliances
Checking the water hoses for your dishwasher, washing machine, or ice maker is a great way to prevent future issues. If you find that any of your hoses are bulging, have leaks, or are older than 10 years, it's probably best to get them replaced.
When replacing your hose, you should spring for a stainless steel version if you can afford it. These have greater resistance to wear and tear and are more dependable than other hoses.
Check Sump Pump
While we still have a few months till monsoon season hits, it's best to ensureyour sump pump is in working order before it arrives. You can check if your pump is in working order by pouring water into the pit where the sump pump sits. This should cause your sump pump to power on, immediately drain the water, and then shut down. If the pump has a problem with any part of this process, you should call in a trained technician to handle the situation. While getting your sump pump fixed can be easily pushed off till later, it's essential to get it fixed ASAP so that you have it when you need it most.
Look Over Outdoor Plumbing and Draining
Our outdoor plumbing tends to be used the most during the spring and summer. To prevent any issues, It's essential that your outdoor system is prepared for increased usage.
You should check every outside drain, gutter, or downspout for any blockages that may have accumulated over the winter. Look for anything blocking any vents. If you have exterior faucets, let the water run for a minute to ensure that everything is working properly and that nothing needs to be replaced.
For all your plumbing installation, repair, and replacement needs, the experienced professionals at EZ Flow Plumbing, LLC are here for you! Call (480) 351-1820 to schedule your appointment today.