Warm, temperate weather creates the ideal environment for home maintenance. Whether you are looking forward to an upcoming renovation or you simply want to ensure that your place doesn’t flood during those spring showers, it’s smart to add plumbing maintenance onto your to-do list. Inspecting and testing your water heaters, sump pumps, faucets, plumbing appliances, gutters, and downspouts could help you to avoid issues like indoor flooding or mold and mildew growth. Follow these plumbing tips to make your home even better this spring.
Springtime showers may pave the way for May flowers in Indianapolis, but unfortunately, all of that extra water could end up in your home, especially if you have a basement or crawlspace. Lower-lying rooms are prone to water accumulation, so many Indiana residents rely on sump pumps to prevent floods and water damage. Here are a few ways to make sure your sump pump is working properly now and up to the task of draining away water later.
Water and oxygen can work together to cause rust that can corrode metal. Unfortunately, since water heaters store water, they are particularly prone to rust damage and could develop leaks over time. In the spring, check your water heater tanks thoroughly for corrosion. Inspect the entire exterior visible surface for rust or inconsistencies in the metal and pay close attention to the bottom of the tank. If you find problems, reach out to a plumber right away to evaluate the depth of the problem.
When gutters don’t drain properly, water can pool underneath roofing shingles or puddle around your home, causing ground flooding. In the spring, check your gutters for debris like roofing aggregates, dead leaves, twigs, and foreign objects. Clean gutters by removing items with gloved hands and spray out the interior of your gutters and downspouts with clean water from a garden hose. Focus on areas where the water slows. To make downspout cleaning easier, use a wet/dry shop vacuum with a long tube attachment.
Prevent marshy landscaping and indoor water damage by watching out for leaking outdoor plumbing fixtures. Check outdoor water spigots for leaks and monitor your sprinkler system during a cycle to look for irregular spray patterns. If you have a broken sprinkler head, the unit could spray water improperly, which could raise your usage and utility costs. Inspect outdoor garden hoses for physical damage to the lines or connectors, so they don’t leak when you use them to water plants.
Over time, valves can develop problems opening and closing due to mineral buildup. It’s important to loosen these accumulations periodically by opening and closing the valves in your home. Locate the main water valve along with supplemental valves, and open and close them repeatedly to make sure they are working properly. If you locate a valve that is difficult to open or close, have a plumber inspect, repair, or replace the valve.
Sometimes, leaks can form in places you never suspected, which can drive up your water usage for the month. It’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of water accumulation or damage, so you can order repairs proactively. Here are a few places to check:
Your plumbing system requires routine maintenance just like any other system in your home. Schedule plumbing maintenance as part of your spring cleaning to make sure everything is as it should be. During these visits, plumbers will check for everything from damaged or clogged drains to leaking faucets. Plumbers can also inspect backup plumbing systems and gas lines to make sure everything is working great.
If you want to keep your plumbing in great condition without any hassle, consider a True Comfort Membership Plan. These plans, offered by Mr. Plumber, are designed to provide exceptionally low-cost, ongoing maintenance to keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable. Give us a call today to find out how to become a member.
Here at Mr. Plumber, we don’t want you to worry about anything, so we have convenient service plans available for you. Let us know if you are interested in signing up. We have service calls available to ensure that everything in your home is working properly, so give us a call today!