Spring cleaning is a natural, and often necessary, response to a long winter with the house shut up tight against the cold. But as the warmer weather inspires you to get busy maintaining your home, don’t overlook your pipes. Freezing temperatures can be hard on plumbing. Here are some suggestions to make your plumbing part of the spring cleaning ritual.
Look for Leaks
Warm weather is a good time to get under the house or go outside to check all of your plumbing for leaks. Even a single drip could be wasting gallons of water every day and indicate problems that will only get worse. Be sure to check all the faucets in and outside the home as well, and that toilets work efficiently without excessive running and water waste.
Upgrade Appliances
If you feel like you’ve been paying more for water, it might be a good idea to check your water use and the equipment you have in place. If your hot water heater, dishwasher, or other appliances are more than 15 years old or in need of repairs, look into replacing them with newer, more efficient models. You’ll find that you use less water and less electricity, plus gain the peace of mind of having reliable new appliances in place.
Get an Inspection
Call a reputable local plumber to come by and inspect your home. They’ll be able to spot any leaks or needed repairs/upgrades that you might have missed. A professional can also check to be sure you’re getting sufficient water pressure, proper flow, clear drainage, and that your hot water heater is in good working order. They may be able to recommend simple upgrades like low-flow fixtures or extra insulation on pipes.
Consider a Service Plan
Your local plumbing company may also provide a maintenance service plan at a reasonable cost. They’ll send someone around every few months to check your system and perform maintenance such as flushing the hot water heater. It would also be a good idea to have your water quality checked periodically. Another good habit to get into is saving your water bills so that you can check for any anomalies over time. A dramatic rise in water use could indicate a hidden leak that needs fixing ASAP.
Winter temperatures can lead to ice build-up that damages or even bursts pipes. As soon as the weather allows, have your plumbing checked to avoid more costly repairs in the year to come.
