10 Things To Put On Your Spring Cleaning Plumbing Checklist: Tips From A Plumber Near Me | Hinckley, IL
Spring is here and brings with it the annual frenzy of cleaning, dusting, and purging your home. Spring cleaning is a great time to eliminate junk, evaluate what you have, and make long-overdue adjustments.
Most homeowners, however, do not include their plumbing systems in the cleanup. Going through your plumbing once a year is a simple yet effective preventative measure. Here is a list of 10 things you should add to your checklist.
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Inspect the Plumbing
First, you want to perform a thorough check of your plumbing system. Or you could hire a plumber near me to inspect the plumbing. Homeowners should get their plumbing inspected at least every two years to prevent expensive repairs.
An inspection will include checking all interior and exterior pipes for damage, cracks, and signs of corrosion and rust. A plumber near me will check the pipe connections and inspect fixtures like the toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater. The professional will also test the sump pump if you have a basement.
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Fix Leaks
During the colder months, a pipe or spigot could have frozen and cracked and is now leaking. During your spring cleaning, you want to closely inspect each fixture, pipe, and connection and fix any leaks. Sometimes you only need to replace a worn washer or flapper to stop it. Fixing leaks can lower your water bill by about 10 percent.
Hire a plumber near me for more serious repairs and whole-house leak detection. A professional can find leaks behind walls, in the ground, and under the foundation and repair them quickly and efficiently.
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Service the Water Heater
You should check your water heater regularly during the year, especially if it has served you many years. Most storage water heaters have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. If your appliance is nearing its end, consider replacing it with an eco-friendly model.
During your maintenance check, you must flush the water heater to remove the accumulated sediment. Tankless water heaters should also be flushed and descaled to keep them running efficiently. Check the inlet and outlet pipes for leaks and rust. Call a plumber near me for a complete service check and tune-up.
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Check Supply Lines
Supply lines are the pipes that supply water to appliances and can sometimes fail without notice. Look for pooling water around the washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, faucets, and toilet.
If the lines show any signs of damage or fraying, have a plumber near me replace them. Some plumbers recommend replacing supply lines every five years to avoid unpleasant surprises.
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Clean the Drains
The holidays with large family gatherings and constant cooking, are over and could have left your drains clogged or moving sluggishly. Check if any sink, shower, or floor drain is draining slowly. Avoid using chemical cleaners as these could corrode the pipes.
Instead, use a plunger or drain snake. You can also ask your plumber near me for non-corrosive alternatives. Don’t forget to clean the traps under the sinks, as they often are the source of foul smells. To prevent future clogs, put strainers or hair traps over the drains.
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Clean Fixtures and Appliances
Clean showerheads and faucet aerators to remove mineral buildup. Replace old aerators with water-saving ones. Deep clean the garbage disposal and fix it if necessary.
Also, clear out the washing machine and dryer lint traps. Each year, more than 15,000 home fires originate in the laundry room. So thoroughly clean the dryer vent system and check for other hazards.
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Check Outdoor Faucets
Outdoor faucets sometimes freeze and crack during the cold winter months. Check the spigots for any leaks and have them repaired. A constantly leaking faucet not only wastes water, but the water will seep into the ground and damage the walls and foundation of your home.
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Know the Water Lines
Spring is the beginning of the garden season, and probably this year, you have decided to show off your green thumb. Before digging up your yard, you must know where the water lines are to avoid damaging a water or sewer pipe.
If you intend to plant trees or shrubs, avoid planting them near plumbing lines. Choose a slow-growing species or one with a non-invasive root system. Tree roots are drawn to moisture and warmth and can penetrate through cracks in pipes and break them.
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Inspect the Irrigation System
The irrigation system is another cause of a high water bill. A tiny crack can leak 6,300 gallons of water per month. Before you reconnect the system, check for any cracked pipes. If you do not have an in-ground system, inspect the garden hose for damage and ensure the connection at the spigot does not leak.
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Clear the Gutters
If trees are near your house, leaves and twigs can block gutters and downspouts. This will cause the water to pool around your house, which could result in flooding. Clear outside drains, gutters, and downspouts of debris and install gutter guards if necessary. You should hire a plumber near me to clean the vent pipes on the roof.
Get a Head Start in Your Spring Cleaning with Just In Time
Just In Time has served Hinckley for over a decade. We are well-acquainted with the unique plumbing problems of the residents here and have made ourselves a name for top-quality service. If searching for a “plumber near me” has left you wondering who to call, try Just In Time. Contact us today.
Summary
Spring is the best time to give your plumbing system the much-needed care and attention. Plumbing problems often take homeowners by surprise. Having a regular maintenance plan can prevent and mitigate a lot of trouble. To help you with your spring cleaning, you could get a maintenance agreement from your plumber near me.
The agreement includes an annual inspection, leak detection, and certain repairs, among other benefits. It’s convenient and assures that your plumbing system is always in good hands.
To get started receiving efficient plumbing services, get in touch with Just In Time.
See our recent blog on this topic here.