Posted in Blog
Is spring cleaning just a quick neatening up of your house? Think again. Not every homeowner considers plumbing maintenance as part of their spring-cleaning routine. But it’s the perfect time to check on your plumbing and address any developing issues. It can prevent major damage and avoid unnecessary repair expenses later.
Spring Showers Plumbing Maintenance Guide
Your spring-cleaning checklist should account for the following:
Drain Inspection
There may be drains you don’t use much, such as a floor drain. Nonetheless, they still require maintenance. A common problem is an empty trap, which can cause odors to back up. You can prevent this by pouring a gallon of water down to fill the trap. Snake the drain if it is slow or call a plumber to determine if any repairs are necessary.
Pipe Inspection
Don’t wait for a clog or leak to cause major issues. Inspect your pipes for signs of leakage, corrosion, or cracks. These include pipes under your sinks and those in the basement that are exposed. Also check for leaks around faucets. If a water leak is present, contact a plumber to repair, replace, or upgrade the fixture.
Check the Toilet for Leaks
Toilets are more prone to leaks than most people realize. One way to check your toilet is to put food coloring in the tank. If you find the same color in the bowl a half hour later, then the toilet is leaking and should be repaired or replaced. A clog or leak in the water supply line can affect the toilet as well. Our plumbers are equipped to find the problem and correct it fast.
Examine Water-Using Appliances
Appliances can develop clogs and leaks, including dishwashers, garbage disposals, and washing machines. Rubber hoses and seals are especially vulnerable. Take a look at the connections of each appliance. If anything looks worn, cracked, or rusted or there is water leaking, call a professional plumber. Newer hoses and supply lines are made of stainless steel and are longer lasting. Debris from plumbing, appliances can be problematic as well, so check for blockages or contact a technician to perform a more detailed inspection.
Perform a Sump Pump Test
Heavy rain and storms can flood your basement. Your sump pump works by directing rainwater away from your home. To test it, fill the sump pit with water so the float raises and the pump activates. If it doesn’t turn on or lower the water level in the pit, call a plumber. A bad switch or other component may need to be replaced. If necessary, the technician will install a new sump pump.
Schedule a Sewer Inspection
At Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re equipped to perform sewer camera inspection. This type of plumbing maintenance avoids having to dig trenches to assess the condition of your sewer line. If there are any issues, we can determine their exact location and cause, and provide any repairs or replacements necessary. Inspections can avoid backups and complete sewer failures that might wreak havoc on your home.
Check Outdoor Plumbing and Fixtures
Don’t forget your outdoor plumbing. That includes exterior faucets and water hoses as well as pipes, drains, and downspouts. Any debris should be cleared away to ensure proper drainage. If water is pooling up around the foundation, schedule professional service to determine why and what options are available to remedy it.
Contact Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical
Our plumbing maintenance professionals are here to help with this aspect of your spring cleaning. Trained and licensed, our technicians know all the common issues to look for. If necessary, they can resolve clogged drains, leaky pipes, water main issues, poor water quality, faulty fixtures and appliances, and water heater problems. Schedule plumbing service in your Portland area home this spring by calling (503) 563-2698 today.
