March 12, 2013

Around the House: Plumbing Maintenance Tips

In preparation for warmer weather, there’s no time like the present to get started on plumbing maintenance for your home! Now that your plumbing system has survived the rigid Colorado winter, the transition into spring means it is time to ensure you get maximum efficiency from your home’s system this season.

The key to spring plumbing preparation is water efficiency. To limit the amount of water wasted while at the same time increasing money in the bank, Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric recommends these plumbing maintenance tips for preparing your Denver, CO plumbing for spring:

• Sump pump. A household item that is often overlooked is the sump pump. A sump pump’s main function is to keep the space beneath your basement, and your basement itself, dry by collecting water rising up or flowing in. To ensure your sump pump is ready for spring, conduct a test by pouring water into the sump pit. Shortly after, the pump should kick on, release all the water and then shut off automatically. If this doesn’t happen, call a plumber and have your sump pump looked at immediately. To be even more efficient this spring, installing a battery backup will allow your sump pump to work properly during a power outage.
• Gutters and outdoor drains. Making sure your gutters and drain spouts are clean and clear is something that should be routinely checked around your home – no matter the season! Debris build up increases the chance of clogging which can result in mold growth, cracks and leaks.
• Indoor drains. Have you ever stepped out of the shower only to look down and realize there’s a lake in your bathtub? If your answer is yes, you’ve experienced a clogged drain. To reduce the risk of clogs, increase the efficiency of your drains by installing strainers to prevent soap, hair and miscellaneous debris from creating issues. If you have a clogged drain, try to unclog it as soon as possible or call a plumber to snake the line.
• Leaky faucet and toilet. Drip, drip, drip! To avoid the dreaded sound and hassle of a leaky faucet, check all of your faucets for drips and leaks regularly, and arrange to have any leaks quickly repaired. Equally as important, conduct a toilet leak test by dropping a couple drops of food coloring into the tank. After thirty minutes, if the water has changed color then the toilet tank may have a leak. If this occurs, call a plumbing company to inspect the situation.

Although spring is a known for garden preparation, it’s also important to make sure your plumping system is working efficiently indoors and outdoors. By checking on these key plumbing maintenance tips, you can reduce repair costs, increase water efficiency and ultimately keep more money in the bank.

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric offers various many special services and discounts available on their website for spring maintenance. Check the ‘current coupons’ section today and give us a call if you need help getting your home’s plumbing system in tip top shape for Spring!