April showers bring May flowers…. but what if they also bring basement flooding, leaks and other plumbing problems? This spring, as you’re decluttering and getting organized, don’t forget to check on your plumbing. Here are the top 7 spring cleaning tips for your home plumbing system.
1. Check Your Pipes
When you’re spring cleaning, check on your pipes and make sure there are no visible leaks anywhere. If you spot something suspicious, such as leaks and drips, don’t wait to have it looked at. Contact a plumber right away.
2. Clean Your Drains
Most homeowners forget about their drains until something happens, such as water backup or clogs. It’s at that point people run to the store and pick up some chemical drain cleaner. However, those chemicals can actually do more harm than good to your pipes and should be avoided. Even if your drains don’t appear clogged or blocked, you should still have them professionally maintained. Schedule a professional drain cleaning with your plumber.
3. Clean Your Garbage Disposal
It’s time to show your garbage disposal a little TLC – after all, it works hard for you day in and day out. A simple garbage disposal cleaning will keep it working well for you, as well as eliminate foul odors. If you notice problems with it, contact a professional right away.
4. Check Your Toilet
If you notice any leaks, worn out parts, or parts that need adjustment, then it’s time to have it looked at. First, check out your toilet to see if everything is in working order. Then, check if your toilet has any leaks. You can do this by opening the toilet tank, dropping in some food coloring, and waiting about 15-20 minutes. If you look in the toilet bowl and sere colored water, then that means you have a leak and need to have it looked at.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Many people don’t look at their gutters as being directly related to their plumbing. However, your gutters do a lot to keep your home safe from water damage. Make sure you clean out your gutters, downspouts, vent pipes, and anything else on your roof that could lead to a plumbing problem.
6. Inspect Your Water Heater
First, make sure there’s no leaks around your water tank. Once you’ve done that, then you should drain your water heater to remove any sediment buildup. This buildup can lead to a lot of problems, including reduced efficiency and shortening the lifespan of your tank. You should have your water heater flushed and drained annually by a professional. If, however, your water heater is more than 15 years old, you may want to just consider replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model.
7. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance
There’s only so much spring cleaning for your plumbing that you can do yourself. Even if your plumbing system appears to be in good working condition, you should plan to have a professional out to your home annually to conduct a plumbing inspection and maintenance. This will give you peace of mind that everything is working as it should and no unexpected plumbing emergencies should arise.
Schedule Plumbing Maintenance with OnTime Service Today! We Are Here For All Your Home Service Needs in Birmingham, AL and Surrounding Areas
Whether you need electrical, HVAC, or plumbing service, the pros at OnTime Service are here for all your home service needs. Your comfort and safety is our top priority. Contact us today at (205) 872-1944 or online by filling out our form here.
