Spring: the season for longer days, warmer weather, blooming flowers and CLEANING. As you shake off the winter blahs and get your home back in order, it's important to put plumbing care on your list of to-do's.
Outside:
- Flush your sprinkler system and check for leaks—especially if you forgot to blow it out before the cold weather.
- Clear your gutters and downspouts. Inspect for damage.
- Clean patio drains and make sure water flows through as it should.
- Remove temporary insulation, like pipe jackets and faucet covers.
- Check your outdoor hose spigot for leaks or dripping before turning it on.
- Check garden hoses for splits, cracks and loose connections.
Inside:
- Drain and flush your water heater to clear away any accumulated sediment. You don't have to do this in the springtime, but since it should be an (at least) annual habit, now is as good a time as any.
- Make sure the temperature on your water heater is set where you’d like it. If it's too high, you could risk a burn and waste heating energy in the process.
- Inspect and replace your washing machine and ice dispenser hoses, if needed.
- Check for leaks, especially in less-trafficked parts of the house, such as the crawl space or attic. A good way to test for hidden leaks is to record the reading on your water meter before you go to bed, then compare it to the morning's reading. Unexplained water loss could be the result of a slow leak.
- Clean your dishwasher’s drain and unclog any blocked holes in the sprayer arm.
- Have your plumbing inspected by a pro! A plumber can help you make sure your system is running its best and may spot signs of trouble before they require costly repairs. Call ARS®/Rescue Rooter® at 1-800-277-9400 for all your plumbing needs.
