As spring arrives, we naturally focus on the freshness and renewal of the season. For homeowners everywhere, spring is a great time for deep-cleaning and organizing projects. As your faithful local plumbing experts, we are here to simply remind you not to overlook your plumbing system through your spring-cleaning process! After enduring a long winter, your plumbing needs seasonal maintenance to work well for the upcoming season. Keep in mind that putting off regular maintenance and neglecting certain parts might result in expensive repairs later on. So, today, Lebanon Plumbing & Drain aims to equip you with practical spring prep tips to protect your home and plumbing system, ensuring peace of mind as you gear up for spring!
1. Have You Checked Your Water Heater?
Your water heater works quietly to give you hot water when you need it at your convenience. As spring approaches and the weather warms up, it’s easy to overlook checking it. But now is the ideal time to ensure it’s in good condition and address any maintenance requirements!
- The Temperature: To begin, verify that your water heater is set to the recommended temperature (120 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly lower according to the CPSC – The Consumer Product Safety Commission).
- Visual Wear: Check for signs of corrosion on your water heater, including valves and connections. If you see rust or anything unusual, call a professional to assess the damage. Address any underlying issues now to prevent them from becoming bigger problems later on.
- Audible Noise: Strange noises can be an early warning sign that your system is stressed. If you notice unusual sounds like sizzling, hissing, or crackling, it’s time to call a professional. These odd sounds could mean your water heater needs draining, but you’ll want a professional to rule out any other potential problems.
- Cleaning Procedure: You may find that the space around the water heater is full of dust and debris. If this is the case with yours, take a moment to gently sweep around the unit. You can use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment if necessary. Just be sure to practice caution and move slowly. Furthermore, if the unit has dust on it, carefully wipe down the water heater with a damp cloth. Just be sure to wipe it dry afterward.
Remember, a water heater usually lasts 8-12 years based on maintenance. If yours is approaching this range, it’s worth thinking about getting a new one.
Fun Fact: Were you aware that the first day of spring in 2024 is on March 19th?
2. Have You Checked Your Sump Pump?
For homes with a sump pump, remember that early spring brings high water levels. It’s the rainy season! So, making sure your sump pump is in good shape to withstand the workload can prevent issues like flooding.
- Power Check: Verify your sump pump is operational by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to test its response time. If the sump pump does not turn on or respond at all as it should, you can try troubleshooting it yourself. Click here for some information on how to troubleshoot your sump pump or feel free to contact us so we can come diagnose your issue for you!
- Sump Pump Pit Check: You’ll also want to check for debris or sediment that may have accumulated in the pit. Verify the absence of loose debris or particles within the pit that could impede the pump’s function and diminish its effectiveness. If there is any, carefully remove it from the pit. Then, ensure the secure placement of the sump pump lid over the pit to prevent the ingress of loose debris. Additionally, maintain the cleanliness of the area surrounding the sump pump, keeping it free of clutter. This practice will aid in preventing future plumbing issues.
3. Have You Checked Your Indoor Drains?
April showers bring… drain clogs? Well, perhaps that’s not exactly how the ole’ saying goes! In reality, the rainy spring season can truly challenge your home’s drainage system. And with that, debris buildup can hinder proper drainage, causing water accumulation and potential overflow – all of which you want to avoid as best as possible! Therefore, ensuring all your drains are clean, clear, and functional is crucial to staying prepared for spring!
- Kitchen Sink: If you have a garbage disposal, turn it on to ensure proper functionality and drainage. Given its frequent use, periodic maintenance is advisable. Natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar can effectively clean your kitchen sink drain, while lemon juice can provide a pleasant scent. Please avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners as they actually cause more harm than good to your drain and pipes.
- Bathroom Sink, Tub, Shower & Toilet: Regular maintenance of bathroom drains to prevent blockages is essential. Start by removing drain stoppers and screens from sinks, tubs, and showers. Then, remove any hair or debris buildup. After the drains are cleared, test for proper drainage by letting the water run for a bit. Last of all, check the toilets for flushing and drainage issues, ensuring they do not run constantly or are backed up.
- Floor Drains: Sweep the area around your floor drains and remove any stray hair, dust, and loose particles. Additionally, you can flush hot water down the drains to prepare them for usage. If you believe further cleaning is necessary, vinegar and baking soda can be utilized on the floor drains. Just be thorough in rinsing with water so no residue is left behind.
4. Have You Checked Your Gutters, Downspouts, & Outdoor Drains?
The purpose of your gutters and downspouts in redirecting water away from your residence is of utmost importance. Therefore, you should incorporate this task into your annual spring cleaning regimen. Blocked gutters can lead to water accumulation near your foundation, potentially causing further issues.
*Prioritize safety by all means. If you are uncomfortable with using a ladder or lack the necessary tools for the task, consider seeking assistance from a qualified professional.
- Check the Gutters: Prepare your ladder, gloves, and cleaning tools for gutter maintenance. While they may not need cleaning at the moment, it’s still a good idea to check them before the onset of heavy April showers. Plus, if you find any leaves or small branches, please remove them accordingly.
- Check the Downspouts: Downspouts should not be neglected during your gutter inspection. They also play a crucial role in your gutter system. While your gutters may be clean and ready to manage rainwater, if the downspouts are clogged, water flow will still be impeded. So, make sure to inspect these components as well. When possible, gently remove the lower segment to confirm it is unobstructed. Then, clear any debris like leaves or twigs lodged in it. Remember to reattach it securely. For enhanced drainage, consider using downspout extensions to divert water to a more suitable location if required.
- Check the Outdoor Drains: It is common for loose leaves, flower petals, sticks, and debris to accumulate over outdoor drains. So, take a moment to conduct a thorough inspection of all outdoor drains on your property to ensure they are unobstructed. If any blockages are discovered, remove them diligently using a rake or outdoor broom.
By keeping your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drains clear, you protect your plumbing and home from erosion and flooding. It’s a win-win situation!
Spring brings about new beginnings and prompts a timely review of your plumbing system’s health to ensure it can cope with the demands of the warmer months. By integrating these four plumbing inspections into your seasonal home maintenance schedule, you not only avert potential disasters but also extend the longevity of your plumbing infrastructure. Keep in mind that certain tasks may necessitate professional intervention, so it’s advisable to engage a certified plumber such as Lebanon Plumbing & Drain for tasks beyond your expertise!
Call Lebanon Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!