02/28/2018
Seasonal Plumbing Tips for SprinG
Kitchen / Bathrooms:
*Check faucets for drips or leaks. Make repairs to save water.
*Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap and debris from clogging the drain lines.
*Check toilets and tank for hidden cracks or leaks. Add six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.
*Make sure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop its not working correctly.
*Clean mineral deposits from shower head. Fill a plastic baggie with vinegar; place it over the shower head and hold in place with a rubber band. Soak overnight then remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush.
Appliances:
*Check the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. Consider Replacing a Water Heater older than 15 years.
*Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment.
*Check dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or older than ten years.
*Clean out washing machine lint trap, if equipped, and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.
General:
*Pour a gallon of water into infrequently used drains
*Check exposed pipes under sinks and in the basement for signs of leaks.
*If your home has a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems.
*Install a back flow valve in the floor drain if you live in an area where sewers sometimes backup into homes.
*Inspect for slow leaks in your home by taking a reading on your water meter before bedtime. The next morning, without using any water overnight, take another reading. If the reading has changed you have a leak that should be repaired.
Outside Gutters:
*Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open, and free of debris.
*Check for bird nests in plumbing vent pipes.
*Check faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely.
*ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNS OR IF YOU NEED SERVICE CALL US
*DON'T FORGET TO CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR COUPONS!