Spring is rapidly approaching and with the change in seasons, it is important to recognize that there are a plethora of ways to prepare your plumbing system for the spring. These proper maintenance tips will certainly help avoid any future headaches and issues down the line. So, here are some easy tips to help you prepare your plumbing system for the spring season.
Get a Headstart on Yard Work
Believe it or not, some people tend to think that yard maintenance has nothing to do with plumbing and they could not be any more wrong. Be sure that your downspouts are facing away from your home’s foundation and drain in the direction of the street. Another tip is to check that your storm drains are clear so that they can handle large amounts of draining water. You will also want to make sure you clear out any debris in the yard that can get washed down and clog a drain in the future, resulting in a flood.
Check Your Faucets
In this case, you will want to really check for low water pressure. So, run all the indoor and outdoor faucets on both the hot and cold settings. You may notice that the pressure will take a bit of time to adjust if it has not been used in a while due to any air that has gotten into the lines. However, after running the water for a couple minutes, the air will eventually work its way out, allowing the pressure to return to normal. Keep in mind that low water pressure can be a sign of a leak, so if you notice that any of your faucets are not running at full capacity, you should look to call a professional.
Check Exposed Pipes
This is another important step as you will want to check your pipes for any cracks and if you find any, call a professional right away. Now, if you do not find any cracks, be sure to check for discoloration, or mold or even moss growth because these are also signs that there is a crack that you may not be able to see.
Check The Toilet For Leaks
This is an easy one as you will just put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and then wait a few minutes and then check to see if any of the food coloring made its way into the toilet bowl. If the toilet water is still clear, then you should be good. However, if you notice the food coloring in the toilet bowl then you probably have a leak and will need to have the flapper replaced.
Flush Your Water Heater
You also want to make sure you flush out your water heater in order to remove any buildup that could keep it from running at its maximum efficiency.
If you have any further questions about sewer maintenance for the spring, you can call A&L Cesspool at (718) 729-3018! We are here to support you and make sure everything is running smoothly!
