The last week of April is here so it’s time to share some simple spring plumbing tips. A little spring cleaning goes a long way. But closets, cabinets, and storage rooms aren’t the only things that need to be cleared away of unnecessary mess.
Your home’s gutters, drains, and leaky pipes might need some looking into as well. Here in Atlanta, our spring has been a time of frequent wet, rainy, and stormy days.
Are you sure your house is prepared to take on this challenge?
It can be tough to rush into spring time with an unprepared house. Unless you want to pay for costly damages and major plumbing repairs when the season ends, it’s probably in your best interest to gear up for the change in weather.
Here are some simple spring plumbing tips and tricks to help you save on preventative repairs.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Some areas can experience a lot of rain during spring time, and that means potentially clogged gutters and downspouts. This can spell trouble for your roofing and other fixtures and could cost you bigger bucks when you find yourself needing a repair.
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready for the rainy season. Inspect them for dirt, leaves, and filth. Try to get as much of it out so you won’t have to worry about them backing up.
Wash Down Drains
There are lots of tiny particles and sediments that can get caught in drains along with water or any other fluid. The accumulated filth can cause clogging, and this could lead to an ineffective drainage system.
To steer clear of draining problems, try to wash down your frequently used drains with about a gallon of water. If the water still seems to take a while before it washes out, try using a plunger to remove the congestion.
Upgrade Your Fixtures
Some fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and even garden hoses can give in to rust and damage over time. This means they won’t work as well as they should. Costing you bigger bucks than you should be shelling out.
We have a simple fix. Get a few new fixtures to replace the older ones.
You’ll be surprised just how well they perform. Not to mention, installing energy efficient fixtures will save you money in the long run.
Check for Leaks
Pipes, valves, and anything else that allows water to flow through your house will corrode over time. This means they might form cracks and breaks that could be costing you precious pennies. Try to inspect all your plumbing, both indoors and outdoor, to resolve any potential leaks.
Be sure to inspect all your plumbing, both indoors and outdoor, to resolve any potential leaks.
Inspect Your Valves
Some valves aren’t used very often, but when the need arises, you want to be able to turn those babies without a hitch. Make sure your valves are all in working condition. No matter what they control. This ensures that you won’t have to worry about bringing out your wrench.
The most important valve in your home is the main water shut off valve. You want to ensure two things when it comes to this valve:
- You know where it is located
- You know how to turn in on and off
It could be the difference between having a finished basement or having a small pond in your basement.
