April showers bring May flowers, and spring is upon us. This means it’s time to “spring clean.” These are some great tips that will make things easier.
KITCHEN/BATHROOMS
- Examine faucets for leaks or drips. Repairs can be made to conserve water.
- To prevent hair, soap, and other debris from clogging drain lines, our Long Beach Plumbers suggest that you make sure that strainers are installed on all drains.
- Try and look for hidden leaks in the toilet. Six drops of food coloring can be added to the tank. The bowl will turn a color within 30 minutes if the toilet is not flushing.
- Check tank and bowl for cracks, leaks, etc.
- To prevent water from sticking to toilets and sinks, make sure you turn off the water supply valves.
- Toilets should flush correctly. Wearing tank parts may need to be replaced if the handle has to be held down to flush the toilet or the water is jiggled. These parts are inexpensive and will result in a lower water bill.
- Remove mineral deposits from the shower head. Place the unscrewed shower head in a glass of vinegar, or in a plastic baggie filled with vinegar. Secure it with a rubber band. To remove any deposits, soak for at least one night. Then remove the baggie and scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
APPLIANCES
- The temperature setting of the water heater should be checked. To prevent scalding, the temperature setting should not exceed 120 degrees F. This will reduce energy consumption and help to keep your water heater from overheating.
- To flush out the sediment causing corrosion, drain several gallons of water from the tank. This will reduce heating efficiency and decrease the heater’s life. For specific information about your model and make, visit the website of your water heater manufacturer.
- Replace a water heater that is more than 15 years old. The serial number’s first four numbers represent the year and month it was manufactured. Water heaters that are newer and more efficient use less energy.
- Keep flammables away from the furnace or water heater.
- For bulges and leaks, check the ice maker supply lines for your dishwasher, washing machine, or ice maker. Replace any hoses that are showing signs of weakness, or more than ten years old. Use stainless steel hoses whenever possible. They are more durable and less likely to burst than other types.
- If possible, clean out the washing machine’s lint trap and place a wire trap over the draining hose.
GENERAL
- To fill the trap, pour a gallon water into the drains (including floor drains). This will prevent odors and stains from entering your house. To ensure that they can quickly remove water in the event of flooding, slow floor drains must be snaked.
- Look for leaks in pipes that are exposed under sinks or in the basement.
- Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Pour a few buckets water into the pit. The pump should turn on quickly, then discharge the water and shut off immediately.
- If you live in an area with sewer backups, you can install a back flow valve in your floor drain. This will prevent any future backups.
- Before you go to bed, Our Long Beach Plumbers recommend that you take a reading from your water meter to check for slow leaks. Take another reading the next morning without using water overnight. If the reading changes, it is likely that there is a leak.
- Flood alarms can be installed. Flood alarms are battery-operated devices that sound an alarm when they come in contact with water. It warns you about potential flooding and leaks.
OUTSIDE
- Yard drains, gutters, and downspouts must be cleaned, unobstructed, and free from debris.
- Our Long Beach Plumbers recommend that you Inspect the plumbing vent pipes for bird nests.
- To ensure water flows freely, check faucets and hose bibs. A frozen pipe may be causing drip-page from an outdoor faucet or leakage within your home if it is not turned on immediately.