During the Fall months many people take the time to “winterize” their home’s plumbing system in preparation for the cold weather. With Spring just around the corner, it is time to think about removing any winter precautions that you put in place, and add some plumbing to-do’s to your Spring cleaning check list.

• Check all of the faucets inside and outside of your home for leaks or damage. The faucets outside of your house are especially susceptible to damage from the harsh weather of winter, high levels of water, and debris.
• Install drain strainers to keep large particles of food, soap, debris, and hair from going down the drain and causing clogs.
• Add five drops of any color food coloring to your toilet tanks and check the bowl in 30 minutes. If there is colored water in the bowl, your toilet is leaking and you should call a professional.
• Soak shower heads in vinegar to remove mineral deposit build-up.
• Check the temperature setting on your hot water heater. It should be no higher than 120 F.
• Check the hoses on washing machine and dishwasher to make sure there aren’t any leaks or cracks.
• If there are any drains in your home, garage, workshop, or outside around the property that you don’t use often – pour boiling water in each to clear any blockages and prevent backup and odor.
• Clean out downspouts, gutters, and yard drains. Check around your home for any bird nests that may have been built during the Fall and Winter.
• Turn on each of the outside faucets and make sure they are running freely and without leaks.

Spring is a great time to uncover any breaks, leaks, or blockages in your home’s plumbing system that may have developed during the Winter. When the weather outside is cold, wet, and/or frozen it is normal to go into hibernation mode and focus on staying warm and safe. However, as the sun begins to break through the wall of cold – it is time to start organizing and cleaning and your plumbing system should definitely be on the list!

Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions about Spring cleaning your plumbing – or, if you discover a plumbing malfunction that you need fixed or replaced.