Now that spring is finally here, it means homeowners need to get started with some basic home maintenance projects. Checking on your home’s plumbing system is essential to prevent flooding, burst pipes, faucet leaks, and other issues. Here are some solutions to common springtime plumbing problems homeowners often encounter.
Examine the Hose Bib
Before you attach a hose and start watering the spring flowers, take a few minutes to check out the hose bib. If you leave your hose on the hose bib in the winter, your system is vulnerable to leaks. A water supply line can freeze in the intense cold, leading to the expansion of the pipe and a crack in the line. When you attach the hose and turn it on, examine the pipe in the basement to look for leaks. Replace the pipe as soon as possible to prevent severe basement flooding problems.
Check the Gutters and Downspouts
If icicles formed on your gutters during the winter, they could have caused the gutters to pull away from the home. Take a few minutes to secure the gutters to the home, and clean them at the same time. Failure to clean the gutters will allow debris to build up, causing the gutters to overflow. The water will drip down the side of the home, which can lead to basement flooding.
Check the Sump Pump
To ensure your plumbing system is safe this spring, take a moment to prime the sump pump. To test the sump pump, pour a few buckets of water into the sump pump pit. The pump should turn on within a few seconds to start moving the water away. If the sump pump is not working, call a professional immediately as it will need to be repaired. A broken sump pump can lead to flooding problems if it is not properly repaired in a timely manner.
Clean the Drains
Use filters on each drain to prevent hair, soap, and other elements from clogging the drain. Monthly drain cleaning can prevent serious blockages from occurring. Yearly hydro-jetting services help to clean the drains. Older homes can be susceptible to problems with tree roots. Have your drains inspected for tree roots, especially if you have noticed an increase in sewage back-ups, or basement flooding from a sump pump.
Clean Shower Heads
A shower head and faucets are susceptible to mineral deposits over time. Clean the showerhead twice a year by soaking the shower head or faucet head in a cup of vinegar. The vinegar helps to break down the mineral deposits, allowing water to flow freely through the shower head.
Additional Spring Cleaning Tips
To improve the efficiency of your home’s plumbing system, use the following spring cleaning tips:
- Examine all faucets for leaks, as a small drip can increase utility costs
- Fix toilet tank leaks to conserve water
- Clean the showerhead and faucets to prevent mineral deposits
- Flush the hot water tank to remove sediment buildup
- Set the hot water tank to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pour one gallon of water into floor drains to prevent odors
Correctly maintaining your home’s plumbing system will prevent major repair costs. Contact the professional plumbers at Mister Sewer for all of your household plumbing needs. For years, Mister Plumber has served the Pittsburgh area providing homeowners with everything from trenchless sewer repair to fixture installation. Make sure you home’s plumbing is in tip top shape with a maintenance check from the Pittsburgh plumbers at Mister Sewer today.