Is Spring Cleaning Your Plumbing on Your To-Do List?

Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing out closets or getting rid of old linens — it’s also about making sure the inner workings of your home are working properly. From pipes and sump pumps to those busy outdoor spigots, we have some great tips to help you spring forward.

1. Inspect your drains, gutters, and downspouts to ensure proper drainage during those heavy spring rains. Make sure all areas are clear and free of debris that can build up over the winter months. Excess built-up debris can clog drains and gutters and turn it into a bigger problem. 
2. Excess rain can test another crucial item in your home: the sump pump. Make sure this little item is in prime operating condition. Most plumbing companies recommend homeowners install a backup sump pump with a battery. If the power goes out, that does not stop the rain from flowing in. To test it, pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit. Once the water hits the fill line, the pump should kick on and allow the water to flow out, and then turn itself off. If the pump continues to run, you have an issue as all the pump is doing at that point is recirculating the water. Time to call your local plumber.
3. Did you disconnect your garden hose last fall? If not check your hose bibb. The water supply tends to sit in the pipe and, if cold enough, freezes. When spring comes and the water thaws out, it can cause the hose to expand and crack. That is why it is so very crucial to check the outside hook-up and the pipe and hose underneath your home, typically in the basement. 
4. Check faucets for drips. If you notice any drips or leaks coming from your faucet handles or anywhere else around your sink, turn off all water at once and contact us immediately! We may need to replace parts or reroute pipes to stop leaks from occurring due to age or wear and tear over time.
5. Check your toilets for leaks. One of the most cost-effective ways to check for leaks in your toilet is by adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Within 30 minutes, any leaks will be visible in the bowl. Check the bowl for cracks or leaks as well, and ensure that the toilet is flushing correctly. If you need to hold or shake the handle, it’s time to replace those parts of the toilet. These replacements are affordable and will save you money on your water bill in the long run.
6. Clean your showerhead with vinegar to remove mineral deposits that can clog. Here is a little tip: take a Ziploc bag and fill it with white vinegar, then place the Ziploc bag over the showerhead and secure it in place with a few rubber bands. Let it sit 24 hours. The mineral deposits should breakdown and leave you with a sparkling clean showerhead.

Completing this inspection now will prepare your home for the heavy rains of spring and will help you discover ways to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape and save you money. If you need a professional, call The Atherton Plumbing Team at 937-434-4443.