DIY Spring Clean - Plumbing
Sump Pump - April showers bring May flowers—but they can also bring flooding. Spring is the perfect season to check your sump pump and ensure everything is working properly. Here’s what to look for:
Start by adding water to your sump pump.
If the pump is working properly, it should be able to remove the water from the pit in a matter of seconds.
Finally, your sump pump should shut off. If it does this without you prompting it, you’re good to go!
Hose Bib - Outdoor faucets have been exposed to the elements all winter, so they’ll need to be carefully inspected. After turning the indoor faucet valve on, look for a sign of leaks. If you left a hose attached to a hose bib, you’re more likely to find a leak. If the leak is outside, you may have a cracked washer. If the leak is coming from the walls themselves, you have a bigger problem. If your water supply line froze over the winter, it’s possible that the pipe could have cracked. You’ll risk water damage if you don’t get the pipe replaced in time.
Toilet - Check toilet(s) in your home for proper flushing. If you have to jiggle the handle, there’s likely a part replacement in your future. Thankfully, the components of your toilet that facilitate flushing are relatively cheap. Bonus: replacing inefficient parts can help you cut back on your water costs as well! Check the shut offs for discoloration and around the tank and floor for signs of possible leak.
Water Heater - Set temperature to 120 to prevent burns. Lowering the temperature will also reduce your water bill. Check over for leaks and flush the water heater to improve efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. This process helps to keep minerals from settling at the bottom and causing rust.
Faucets/Valves/Pipes - Check over pipes for leaks, cracks, rust, or discoloration.
The plumbing experts at Vincent Plumbing are available to discuss any concerns or questions.
