Now that spring has arrived, it’s the ideal time to quickly check your home to ensure everything is in good working condition. In addition to their typical spring cleaning and maintenance, property owners should also inspect the plumbing system. Your plumbing system includes your water heater, garbage disposal, sinks, faucets, showers, and drains. Consequently, inspecting it routinely can save you time, money, and stress in the long run by revealing issues at their earliest stages. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few brief pointers for managing your plumbing system this spring.
1. Keep an Eye Out for Drips and Leaks
If you find any leaks, fix them immediately so the problem doesn’t get worse. This applies to all water sources, including faucets. Pay attention to places vulnerable to water damage. If you detect a moldy smell or discoloration on the walls or ceiling, it is a sign of a water leak. Therefore, you should call your plumber and notify them of your situation.
2. Clean Your Drains Thoroughly
You should give your drains a good cleaning in spring. It’s also a good idea to check for leaks if your pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures in winter. When clearing the drains, keep an eye out for any clogs or debris buildup. If you find slow-draining pipes or an unpleasant odor, it could be due to a blocked drain. Before any major damage is done, it’s best to have your plumbing system inspected by an expert.
3. When Cleaning the Toilets, Inspect Them Thoroughly
There are certain issues with our toilets that we learn to live with, like having to shake the handle to stop the water from running. These problems, if left unchecked, could develop into expensive ones down the line. Therefore, when a toilet starts having problems, it’s usually because a component is damaged and needs replacing. In other cases, a blockage in the pipes may cause toilet issues, and that has to be fixed for your toilet to flow properly.
4. Check Your Irrigation System for Leaks
There could be a hidden leak in your irrigation system that is causing water loss. Therefore, reading your water meter before going to bed and again in the morning is an excellent approach to ensure you aren’t wasting any water while you sleep. If you have a constant leak somewhere in your system, the reading in your water meter will reflect it.
5. Examine the Water Heater for Leakage and Other Problems
Leaks are a common problem with older water heaters, so it’s important to inspect yours often. In recent years, tankless water heaters’ popularity has increased due to their efficiency and lack of maintenance issues. However, regardless of your model, you should inspect your water heater for leakage and other problems and replace it before it completely fails. Inspecting your water heater regularly will help you spot problems when they’re easier to fix.
Take Additional Safety Measures With Us
If you notice any problems with your plumbing, don’t hesitate to contact A Better Plumber in Waldorf, MD, for emergency plumbing services. We serve all of Maryland and the Greater Washington, DC area.