When spring cleaning rolls around, everybody thinks about mowing the law, making trips to the junkyard, and tidying up their home. But many people forget to take care of the plumbing. Here are some plumbing tips that you should keep in mind this spring.
Invest in Drain Strainers
Drain strainers are a small piece of equipment that goes over the drain in a sink or bathtub. They catch and trap debris and organic materials, such as hair. Not only will they prevent your drains from becoming clogged, but they’ll also insure that you don’t lose anything important down the drain. Many people have lost earrings and wedding rings down their drain, but a strainer can prevent it from happening to you.
Test Your Sump Pump
Run a few buckets of water down your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly. The last thing you want during a spring thunderstorm is a broken sump pump because it can lead to flooding and property damage. If you find any problems with the sump pump, it’s best to have it taken care of immediately instead of putting it off. This ensures your sump pump can do its job if needed, whether that’s tomorrow or next month.
Check Faucets, Sinks, and Toilets
Take a thorough look at your faucets, sinks, toilets, and similar items. You want to make sure there are no cracks, drips, or leaks. This ensures that you’re saving water and being energy efficient, which will save money on your water bill. Any cracks should be dealt with immediately before they get worse. Otherwise, they can lead to flooding, mold, and additional damages that are costly to fix.
Clean the Shower Head
Mineral deposits form on shower heads, which leads to clogging and weaker water pressure. Shower heads are usually easy to clean. Just remove the shower head and soak it overnight in vinegar. If your shower head does not unscrew, no problem. You can fill up a sandwich bag with vinegar and wrap it around the shower head. After the shower head has finished soaking in vinegar, you should use a small brush to remove any remaining deposits.
Check Dishwashers, Washing Machines, and Ice Makers
The hoses for these appliances should not have any bulges or leaks. If you find any, they should be replaced as soon as possible. This ensures that your appliances are working properly and prevents water damage. Stainless steel hoses are more reliable than rubber or plastic hoses. They’re less likely to break and more likely to hold up for several years, which saves you time and money down the road.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
All gutters and downspouts should be completely free of debris. Clogged gutters and downspouts are more likely to lead to leaky roofs and flooded yards. They’re also more likely to break and lead to expensive repairs.
So when you’re doing you’re spring cleaning this year, don’t forget about plumbing. Follow these simple tips to ensure that your plumbing equipment, drains, and lines are in good shape.
