Winter can be rough on your plumbing. The icy temperatures can freeze the water in your pipes, leading to cracks and leaks. Come spring time, it’s important to give your plumbing a once-over to ensure it’s in good working order. But once you’re sure the plumbing is working well, here are a few general spring plumbing tips to try:
Pour water down infrequently used drains – If there are drains in your house you don’t often use, make sure to pour water down them at least once every month or two. Watch how slowly or quickly they drain. If they take a long time to empty, they may be filled with debris and need to be snaked. Pouring water down the drain also fills the trap, keeping odors from entering your house.
Check all your appliances – Make sure the water hoses leading to your dishwasher, washing machine, and hot water heater are all in good condition, with no signs of bulging or leaking. Replace any hoses that are rusted, weak, cracked, or show signs of wear. If hoses are older than 2-5 years, they may need replacing. Consider replacing any appliances that are more than 10 years old.
Check the taps – Make sure none of the taps or faucets around your home are leaking, and that all the drains have their strainers in place. The strainers are there to prevent debris (hair, soap, food particles, etc.) from clogging up your pipes. Give the pipes under the sink a thorough checking as well. Look for any leaks or drips beneath the sinks. Finally, give the drain of your garbage disposal unit a thorough examination for any sign of wear or tear.
Examine the toilets – Start off by pouring a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If there is a leak (in the flapper or the gasket), you will see colored water leaking into the toilet within 30 minutes. Check the bowl for small or hidden leaks. Check the tank for leaks as well. Turn the shut-off valves beneath the toilet to make sure they aren’t leaking or rusted shut. Replace any toilet components that stop it from flushing properly.
Go into the basement – Look for any exposed pipes that may be leaking, or which could be cracking or sustaining damage. Make sure the sump pump is working. Pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit and see how efficiently the sump pump handles it.
A few simple plumbing tips, but they can help to drastically reduce the risk of your appliances and pipes wearing out!
