Spring Plumbing Tips

Spring Plumbing Tips From Santa Rosa

It has been a wet Winter for most of Sonoma County had Record Rain and low temperatures can take a toll on your plumbing.

You may have plumbing issues that you are not even aware of so it’s time to do a little Spring plumbing maintenance at your home!

We’ve compiled some of the most helpful plumbing maintenance tips from around the web.

1. Check toilets for hidden leaks. Add six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes
2. Inspect toilet tank and bowl for cracks or leaks.
3. Make sure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running you may need to replace worn tank parts. They’re inexpensive and you’ll notice a lower water bill.
4. Check faucets for drips or leaks. Make repairs to save water.
5. If your home has a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems.
6. Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old.  Newer water heaters are more energy efficient
7. Check the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
8. Carefully drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer ‘s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.
9. Check dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker supply hoses for bulges or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of weakness or older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses wherever possible. They are more reliable and less prone to bursting than other types.
10. Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open, and free of debris.
11. Inspect your plumbing vent pipes.  Confused little birds think vent pipes are a great place to build a nest.  Unfortunately, bird nests or other debris can clog up your plumbing vent pipes and leave your plumbing fixtures draining at a slow pace.
12. For now, use your hose to water the lawn and plants.
13. While you’re taking your cleaning to a higher level, now is also a good time to take a closer peek at the grout in floor tiles, backsplashes, and counters. Look for new cracks that may have occurred during the season changes in humidity and seal them before they begin to spread. Check the bathtub and trim in showers and sinks to look for any sign of leaking or mold. Catching a small problem now can save thousands of dollars later.
14. Take a water reading. Look at your water meter before leaving for work for the day and check the meter when you come back (making sure no one uses any water in the home while you’re away). If the number’s changed, you have a leak somewhere.

These simple Items may save you by reducing monthly cost’s.

GAC Company  707-538-8000