As the weather begins to warm up, you’re likely preparing your home for the upcoming season. While spring cleaning may be at the top of your to-do list, it’s important not to forget about your plumbing. Regular plumbing maintenance can help you identify and address minor issues before they turn into major problems. Here are some spring plumbing tips from our experts at J Griffin Heating and Plumbing:
Kitchen and Bathroom Plumbing Tips
Ensure all drains have a strainer. Strainers are an inexpensive item that can save your pipes from a lot of trouble. They catch all food scraps, waste, and hair that would otherwise clog your drains.
Check toilets for slow leaks. Slow leaks in your toilet can be hard to detect but are often a source of water waste in your home. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank, leave it for about 30 minutes, and then check the toilet bowl. If you see any coloring in the bowl, it’s a sign of a hidden leak. Contact our team to schedule a repair.
Repair faucet drips and leaks. A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. An old gasket or washer can be the source of the problem. Before you start repairs, remember to turn off the water line first!
Clean hard water stains from showerheads. Public water often has a high mineral content, resulting in mineral buildup on your showerheads and faucets. At J Griffin Heating and Plumbing, we offer several types of water treatment systems for your home, including water softeners. In the meantime, soak your showerhead in vinegar overnight to remove those unsightly stains.
Check for pipe leaks. The winter season can cause a lot of damage to your home’s plumbing. To detect a leak in your plumbing system, make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home. Take a look at your water meter. If you see any movement on the gauge, this could be a sign of a leak. You can also take a meter reading before and after an hour of no water usage has passed. If the reading changed, you have a leak.
Appliance Plumbing Tips
Check and drain your water heater. To reduce energy usage and prevent scalding, make sure your water heater is no higher than 120°F. It’s also a good time to flush any sediment buildup, as it reduces heating efficiency and can shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Check the manufacturer’s website for specific drainage instructions.
Consider replacing your water heater if it’s over ten years old or if you keep having to pay for repairs. Certain water heater issues can signal it’s time for a replacement. Although it may seem like an annoying investment, it’s well worth it. Newer water heaters are more energy-efficient, helping you save on your utility bills each month!
Test your sump pump. April showers bring May flowers, but they can also cause basement flooding. Test your sump pump before you need it most. Pour some water into the sump pump, and it should turn on, pump out the water, and then turn off. If this doesn’t happen, contact our team to schedule a repair.
Look for bulges or leaks in dishwasher and washing machine supply hoses. These hoses suffer a lot of wear and tear with continuous use. Check them for visible signs of damage, and consider replacing them every three to five years. Stainless steel hoses are less prone to bursting than rubber!
Plumbing maintenance doesn’t only include the inside of your home. Remember to clear debris from your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage away from your property.
At J Griffin Heating and Plumbing, we understand the importance of maintaining your plumbing systems all year round, including in the springtime. If you find yourself in need of any plumbing services, we are here to help. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including water heater repair, sump pump services, and pipe repairs.
