Spring Plumbing Hints and Tips

dandelion field for spring cleaning funSpring is finally here! If you’re anything like us you’ve probably been itching all winter to get some work done. Now that the weather is nice we’re sure your ready to get some cleaning done, but we recommend you join us in taking care of your plumbing this spring also. With a little effort now you can make sure that your plumbing will be good to go all summer long.

Inspect your Water Heater

If you turned your water heater up over winter to account for the weather make sure to turn it back down in the spring. It is recommended to keep your water heater at 120 degrees F to avoid scalding yourself, save energy, and get the longest life out of your water heater. If your water heater is over 10 years old it could be a good idea to have it replaced while the weather is still nice. New water heaters are far more efficient than older ones and will be able to keep up with your needs much easier.

Drain the Sediment out of your Water Heater

Sediment collects at the bottom of your water heater which will reduce efficiency. Make sure to drain your water heater once a year to avoid sediment buildup and extend the life of your water heater.

Check your Water Supply Lines

Check the water lines under your sinks and the supply lines to your toilets to make sure you don’t have any leaks. Even minor leaks waste a lot of water over the course of a year and can cause water damage over time. It’ll be a lot less uncomfortable to wedge yourself under that sink now than in a few months when you’re in the full heat of summer.

Schedule a Drain Inspection

If you’ve noticed slow moving drains in your home make sure to schedule a drain line camera inspection. A professional inspection can find leaks and root invasions before they get worse and cause serious damage to your home. Make sure to walk along the path that your sewer line takes to the street as well and look for muddy areas or areas where the grass is higher than the rest because that could mean that you have a leak in your sewer line.