Spring cleaning involves several familiar tasks, such as deep cleaning, organizing, and tackling those long-postponed home projects. But while you’re wiping down baseboards and purging the junk drawer, there’s one system that often goes unnoticed and untouched: your plumbing.
Think of it this way – your home’s plumbing works hard all year long, often behind the scenes. Giving it some seasonal attention can prevent costly problems and improve efficiency. Here’s how to include your plumbing in your spring refresh:
Identify and Stop Leaks
Winter weather can leave behind cracked pipes or weakened joints, so take a few minutes to inspect under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for any signs of leaking or moisture. Don’t forget ceilings and walls, which might show water stains if there’s trouble lurking above.
Clear Your Drains
Drains can get sluggish over time thanks to soap, hair, grease, and other debris. Spring presents a timely opportunity to clear things out. Use an enzyme-based or natural cleaner – like baking soda followed by vinegar – to help clear your pipes and prevent clogs. Skip the harsh chemicals; they can do more harm than good over time.
Flush Your Water Heater
If your water heater is making strange noises or running short on supply, sediment buildup might be to blame. Flushing the tank annually helps clear out gunk and improve performance.
Refresh Your Bathtub
To keep things flowing smoothly through your bathtub drain, feed it a steady diet of baking soda and vinegar – a cup of each is recommended. Plug up the drain and allow the chemical reaction to occur. Wait about five minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. This routine clears out soap scum buildup and accumulated hair that gets caught in the pipes.
Check Your Outdoor Plumbing
Winter can be brutal on your outdoor plumbing. That’s why it’s important to check outdoor faucets for cracks or leaks that could waste water or damage your foundation.
Tidy Up Your Garbage Disposal
As you prepare to host more parties and gatherings during the warmer months, now is a great time to refresh your memory of what items should and should not go down your disposal.
Make Smart Fixture Upgrades
Spring is the perfect time to think about water efficiency. Replacing older fixtures with water-saving alternatives – like low-flow showerheads and aerators – can lower your utility bills and conserve potable water. They’re easy to install and often pay for themselves.
Check the Toilets
Do you have a toilet that runs constantly, needs a jiggle to flush, or doesn’t flush completely? These are signs that tank components are wearing out and that you might need a new toilet.
Healthy Plumbing Is Part of a Healthy Home
For greater peace of mind and improved plumbing performance, contact Messmer Mechanical today to schedule a whole-house plumbing inspection. We’re your full-service home plumbing pros.