Spring cleaning is right around the corner. We use this time to clean our office and homes, remove clutter, and organize our lives. When starting your spring cleaning to do list this year, why not add some simply plumbing maintenance to the list? Here are 5 plumbing maintenance suggestions to add when starting to spring clean your Amarillo, Texas home or office.
1. Look for leaks
Check under the sinks in both your bathrooms and kitchens to make sure everything is nice and dry. If you see sign of wetness or warped floor boards you may have a leaking pipe. Check toilets for leaks by making sure the floor around the base of the toilet is not soft, and try adding some food coloring to the tank of the toilet. If the water in the tank is colored after 30 minutes (without flushing) you have a leak. Check your basements for moisture, especially the corners.
Make sure your sump pumps are working properly by pouring water in the pit. Lastly check around your air conditioning and water heater units. If you see any signs of water damage this is something you will want to investigate. If you discover any problems you should call a professional and experienced plumber, like Pratt Plumbing, to come and diagnose and fix the problem.
2. Flush out your water heater
Spring cleaning is a great time to flush out your water heater. Drain several gallons from the tank to remove sediment or corrosion. This should help maintain the heater. Also make sure the heater isn’t set higher than 120 degrees. This prevents burns and promotes efficiency. If your water heater is over 15 years old it might be time to start looking into buying a new one.
3. Check your drains
First check your drains for any hair or debris. It is important that all your drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap, and food from clogging the pipes. Next, fill your sinks and tubs half way with water and then pull the plugs. Check to see if any drains are working more slowly than others. If you have a slow moving drain there may be a block in the line or pipe with corrosion building. This is a sign that you might want to call a plumber sooner than later.
4. Clean your showerhead
Cleaning your showerhead is easy. Unscrew the showerhead and soak in vinegar, or fill a plastic bag with vinegar and place it over the showerhead overnight. Gently scrub the next morning and rinse.
5. Check for slow leaks
Sometimes there are undetectable leaks in your home. These are called slow leaks. Before bedtime check your water meter reading. The next morning (assuming no one has used the water) check the meter again. If you have a changed reading that means you have a slow leak that needs to be repaired.
Spring cleaning is a great time to get organized. And because your plumbing system is one of the major systems you depend on it should be added to the list. Having a professional plumber like Pratt plumbing help maintain the plumbing in your Amarillo, Texas home is a great choice. If you discover a problem just remember that Pratt Plumbing is one of Amarillo’s leading plumbing specialists. Family-owned and operated since 1963, we give each and every client our undivided attention. When you work with us, you know your problems will be fixed as quickly as possible, at a fair and reasonable price.
For testimonials and money saving tips and coupons visit us on the web. And feel free to call us when problems arise or with any questions.
