Applying Some Useful Plumbing Tips For Spring
Spring is the time when all winter snow is thawing and heading down the drain. Make sure that all water passages are clear and functioning well to prevent wet spots in the house at a time when everything must be dried. As you gear up to the greening of the surroundings, here are some easy plumbing tips for spring to make sure that everything is functioning well with your home’s water system installation.
• Test your sump pump. Slowly pour approximately five gallons of water into the sump pit and turn the pump on to see if water is drained out properly. The sump pump typically pumps out water once the water level reaches 8 to 12 inches under the basement surface. If the pump fails to function as expected, it is springtime to repair or replace it with a new unit to prevent being caught in a flood that can affect even the interior of the house.
• Check faucets for leaks. The past winter season may be too harsh for both indoor and outdoor pipes. The first few weeks of spring are the ideal time to check if any pipes had cracks or leaks that developed during winter; otherwise, you may be charged with excessive water bills for something not wisely consumed by the family.
• Clean the showerhead. Improve the water flow from the showerhead by using ordinary kitchen ingredient such as vinegar in cleaning it. Removing the build-up of mineral deposits economically lessen water consumption when the showerhead is freed from the blocking particles.
• Inspect the toilet for cracks and other leaks. One of the most helpful plumbing tips for spring is to check the toilet pipes for hidden cracks as an aftermath of the freezing winter. Similarly, with faucets, pipes can also crack when they become frozen and this can cause leaks that may be dripping behind walls and under the floor. Spring is the best time to have them repaired.
• Inspect the water heater. It is important to spend considerable time checking the water heater since it is probably the most used equipment during winter. In spring, it does not necessitate its much use thus it can be checked for defects and other signs of wear and tear. If the device takes much time to heat water or moisture around the base appears, they are indicative that there is the need to have it replaced with a new unit.
• Install flood alarms. Residents of low-lying areas can save their valuables if they wisely decide to install flood alarms to alert them every time water rises. Make sure to check constantly if the alarms are functioning properly as a way of protecting lives and properties from water damage.
• Install strainers in all drains. Strainers are effective in blocking debris, hair and other particles from going down the drain. Replace worn out or old strainers with new ones to make sure no clogging materials pass through the drain.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Some animals may have transformed them into their comfortable shelter during winter and may have left dirty reminders of their stay. Flush out all the drippings and other debris by running high-pressure water throughout the downspout. Forgetting these spots may bring potential problems once the rain starts pouring down the roof.
It is important to stay alert and vigilant for signs of plumbing troubles. Water is a sneaky liquid that can seep where it can pass through. Even if you deal with problem areas requiring your attention, some unpredictable situations are difficult to contain or control. However, with these simple plumbing tips for spring, you can already sleep tightly through the night without worrying about leaks, cracks and drips in every pipe visible to your sight.
