When you’re getting ready for some spring cleaning, why not check on your plumbing while you’re at it? April showers, in addition to bringing May flowers, can cause a host of problems. Therefore, this is a great time to make sure things that drains that are not supposed to be clogged are not, and that you don’t have any leaks or water damage anywhere.
If you do notice a plumbing issue that you don’t think you can solve on your own, Plumbing by Jake can help. With several decades of experience in this business, we know just what to do to get you back up and running with little to no interruptions to your day. Simply give us a call at (928) 377-5910 anytime, and one of the friendly members on our team will set you up with the next available service appointment.
Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Try
Plumbing maintenance is always a good idea because water damage is one of the worst possible things a homeowner can experience. Therefore, if you discover any potential sources for water damage that you can fix before it becomes a serious issue, you should do so immediately.
On that note, here are seven plumbing maintenance tips to help you get ahead of the curve before a true plumbing emergency occurs.
Check Your Water Heater
Make sure your water heater temperature is set to 120 degrees. If you set it any higher than that, you could not only burn yourself, but you can also reduce the overall lifespan of your water heater by making it use more energy than it needs to get the job done.
While you’re at it, check around your heater for puddles or other signs there might be a problem, such as rust or soot. And, while this is something no homeowner wants to hear, if your water heater is older than 10 years old, it may be a good time to start shopping for a new one before it breaks down entirely.
Check Your Sump Pump
In the spring, many homeowners experience a flood as the snow melts, which isn’t helped at all by heavy April rains. You can check to make sure your sump pump is working properly by activating the switch yourself by pouring water into the pit. Throw in a vinegar mixture to kill any mold or mildew, and make sure the line is free of leaves and debris.
Check Your Faucets
Make sure all your outdoor faucets and hose bibs are allowing water to flow freely. If you notice any drips outside or leakage inside from an outdoor hose, you may have a pipe that froze over and cracked. Get that checked out immediately.
Check Your Water Pressure
Check to make sure your water pressure isn’t too low, as this may be a sign of a leak. And when it comes to plumbing, it’s often the leaks that you don’t see that can be the most catastrophic.
Check Your Toilet
If you’ve been having some difficulty with your toilet flushing lately, you may be able to find some rather inexpensive relief. For instance, if you need to jiggle or hold the handle down for it to flush all the way, you probably have some worn-out tank parts that need replacing. Not only are these not too expensive to fix but swapping them out should reduce your total water bill.
Check Your Appliances
Check the hoses on your appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine for signs of any bulges or leaks. If you notice any, or if the hoses are older than 10 years old, replace them with stainless steel hoses. Stainless steel hoses last longer and are less vulnerable to bursts.
Check Your Gutters
A classic spring plumbing maintenance tip: don’t forget to check your gutters! Clean them out, then snake them out with a plumber’s auger to ensure they’re fully clear before storm season starts. This will prevent both leaks within your home and overall water damage.
Not a Plumbing Pro? Plumbing By Jake Can Help!
If you’re uncomfortable with handling your plumbing by yourself, or if you’ve discovered a serious issue during your regular spring maintenance, don’t hesitate to give our team at Plumbing by Jake a call.
At Plumbing by Jake, we are here 24/7 to help you with any emergency you may run into, and we are proud to offer you a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all repairs and parts.
So, give us a call at (928) 377-5910, or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a service call today!