Spring is on the Horizon...
With Spring nearly upon us, now is the time to get a head start on spring plumbing maintenance at your residence. Here are 5 easy tips:
Outdoor Drains, Gutters, and Downspouts Dried leaves, sticks, twigs, and other debris accumulate on your roof and in your outdoor space each winter. With the warmer weather arriving, you can finally enjoy the outdoor air while clearing out your drains, gutters, and downspouts, allowing water to run freely. If avoided, the blockage could cause plumbing problems. Check Faucets Even in the midst of a mild winter in Virginia, freezing temperatures may actually occur. It’s good practice to check all of your faucets for leaks and/or pipe damage, especially any outdoor faucets. If you come across drips or leaks, give us a call for help in repairing. Drain the Water Heater and Check the Temperature Setting Over time, sediment can accumulate in your water heater. This can cause corrosion and which may reduce the efficiency of your heater and also shortens its expected service life. To avoid this, remove the sediment by carefully draining a few gallons of water from the heater. While you’re at it, also check the water heater temperature setting. A good temperature to set it at is 120 degrees F. This will make the water warm enough for a hot shower, washing hands, dishes, and laundry while avoiding scalding. You’ll also save on your energy bill too! Check for Hidden Toilet Leaks Unknown toilet leaks can cause your water bill to soar higher than normal. Find out if your toilet is secretly leaking with this trick: place a few drops of food dye in your water tank. Then, wait and see if it appears in the toilet bowl. If the dye appears within 30 minutes or so, you have a flange leak on your hands. Exercise Water Supply Valves On your toilets and at each sink, there are water supply valves used to control the water flow. these valves need to be turned occasionally so that they don’t become too stiff to use. Turn them a few turns toward the “off” position and then back on so they don’t get stuck. Follow these five steps and you’ll help ensure that your plumbing system is in good, working shape. You’ll save money on costly repairs and even lower your utility bill. Now, you tell us about your spring plumbing maintenance routines! We’d love to hear from you!