Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget Your Plumbing

Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start, and part of that can include a good spring cleaning for your plumbing. Tidying up your plumbing system not only ensures its longevity, but it also helps prevent any unforeseen problems as we head into the warmer months.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind during your spring cleaning:

• Tidy Up Your Garbage Disposal: A clean garbage disposal prevents nasty smells and unnecessary blockages.
• Maintaining Your Water Heater: Regular maintenance can extend your heater’s usefulness and efficiency.
• Check for Leaks: Detecting and addressing leaks early avoids water damage and costly repairs.
• Clean Your Bathrooms Thoroughly: A deep clean reduces germ build up and enhances functionality.
• Don’t Neglect Pipes And Drains: Keep them clear and running smoothly to avoid potential issues.
• Test Your Toilets And Sump Pump: Ensure they’re working properly to prevent any future issues.

Incorporating these steps into your spring cleaning routine will help maintain a well-functioning, efficient plumbing system in your home.

A Comprehensive Approach to Spring Cleaning

Remember, a systematic approach to spring cleaning your plumbing can save you from potential hassles down the line.

Keep updated on their state regularly, not just during the spring cleaning season.

Taking care of your plumbing system is an affordable way of preserving your investment in your home.

So, ensure you’re giving it the attention it requires.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Plumbing

Spring offers the ideal time to conduct a thorough check on your home’s plumbing system. This can help detect potential issues that could save you time, money and stress if dealt with early.

Inspect Your Outdoor Taps

Exterior taps with a slow drip can lead to significantly higher water bills over time. Such leaks can also potentially damage the foundation of your house.

Cleaning Your Showerheads

A build-up of mineral deposits on your showerhead can affect water flow. Cleaning it by soaking in white vinegar regularly can prevent this problem.

Toilet Inspection is Key

Ignoring minor toilet problems like having to jiggle the handle could lead to more significant, costly repairs down the track. Often these are signs of worn parts needing replacement.

Check Your Sink Drains

Sinks draining slowly could indicate a clog or an issue with the sink trap. Tricky to deal with at times, professional assistance may be worthwhile.

Irrigation System Leaks

Silent irrigation system leaks could be costing you without your knowledge. Keep an eye on your water meter to detect any changes, indicating potential leaks.

Your Water Heater Inspection

Lasting for around 10 years, it’s important to periodically check your water heater for any leaks, especially if it’s an older model. Regular checks throughout the year can prevent failure.

Although some issues may be easy to handle personally, others may require professional help. Having a plumber inspect your system at intervals helps identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Tidy Up Your Garbage Disposal

It’s vital to maintain a clean garbage disposal unit during spring cleaning. A well-maintained unit can prevent unwanted smells and prolong its lifespan.

Forget expensive cleaners or lemons, there’s a better method to achieve this.

1. Begin with rock salt. This cheaper alternative works wonders in deodorising and cleaning your garbage disposal.
2. Pour some rock salt down the disposal, ensuring it covers all areas inside the unit.
3. Give it time to work. Let the rock salt sit for a few minutes before proceeding.
4. Flush with cold water. Opening the tap, let cold water run into the trash disposal, effectively washing away the salt and any stubborn grime.

This simple technique can keep your garbage disposal clean, odour-free and operating efficiently. Additionally, you save on costly commercial cleaners.

Remembering to regularly clean your garbage disposal during your spring clean can save you significant hassle in the long run. It ensures that your system keeps running smoothly and reduces potential repairs in the future.

Maintaining home plumbing doesn’t need to be arduous or expensive. With practical solutions like this, you’re well on your way to a hassle-free spring cleaning session.

Maintaining Your Water Heater

Periodic maintenance is essential to extend your water heater’s life and maintain its efficiency.

Your owner’s manual can provide specific direction on upkeep practices

Check the Pressure Relief Valve

The valve releases pressure when water gets too hot.

Dysfunction might lead to a burst water heater.

If unsure how to check, hire a professional plumber.

Clean Out Sediment

Sediment build-up can cause water heater inefficiency.

Drain and flush your water heater yearly to remove sediment.

Your user manual will have step-by-step instructions for this process.

Inspect the Anode Rod

This rod prevents your tank from rusting.

Replace it every five years or when severely corroded for optimal performance.

Adjust Temperature Settings

A lower temperature setting can help save energy and extend the water heater’s life.

How to Check for Leaks or Drips

Being woken with the sound of dripping water is seldom pleasant. The source of this irritant might not be a tap, but potentially a leaky roof.

You can place a bucket under the drip for temporary relief and investigate in the morning. If your attic is accessible, that’s an ideal starting point.

Armed with a torch, look out for shiny or damp spots on the underside of your roof. Older leaks may leave signs of rotten wood or mold.

If you’ve identified the leak’s location, it’s time to get a ladder and find its cause. Missing or torn shingles or exposed fasteners are often to blame.

But don’t stop there, check the flashing around pipes, dormers, and where the roof alters pitch for tears, cracks and holes.

Look for places where debris might have accumulated preventing proper drainage. This could also be a great opportunity to assess the overall health of your roof.

Inspection Point	Possible Issue
Shingles	Missing or Torn
Flashing around pipes and dormers	Cracks, Tears, Holes
Dormers and transition points	Poor Drainage due to debris
Overall Roof Health	Old Roof needing replacement
Remember: A thorough inspection ensures better longevity for your roof.

This table is a guide to areas you should focus on during inspection, and the possible underlying issues.

If your roof is flat or low-pitched, look for penetrations or blocked drains. Another trouble area may be indicated by puddles—low spots where water can’t drain.

While assessing, keep an eye out for soft spots under the roof surface indicating water damage. If you struggle to locate the leak, it may be helpful to replicate it by pouring water onto different spots with a garden hose.

Deep Cleaning Your Bathrooms

Regular cleaning of your bathroom is essential for maintaining hygiene, especially in a bustling family home. A busy household can use the bathroom up to 64 times a day.

During cold and flu season, it’s beneficial to increase cleaning frequency. This ensures that harmful germs are effectively eliminated from your bathroom.

It’s particularly important to maintain cleanliness if anyone in the household has an intestinal infection. Regular cleaning after each use reduces the risk of spreading infections like norovirus or salmonella.

Let’s discuss deep cleaning your toilet. It’s crucial to clean and replace supplies frequently for effective results.

• Cleanliness of gloves: If you’re using single-use gloves, ensure they are disposed of appropriately after use. For reusable gloves, wash them as you would your hands and replace every three months.
• Toilet brush hygiene: Your toilet brush is an essential tool that requires regular replacement – at least every three months. To keep it germ-free, place the brush in disinfectant between uses.
• Bathroom cleaning tips: Start by removing debris, apply a neutral cleaner to the toilet and let it sit for a short while. This step helps to remove dirt, making disinfecting easier.

Next, thoroughly clean areas such as seat, handle and other external parts with the neutral cleaner. Using a microfiber cloth or paper towel is advisable for wiping down these areas.

Apply toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl and under the rim then scrub using a bristle brush. Flushing afterwards is necessary to rinse away all the applied cleaner.

In case of stubborn stains like mineral deposits or rust, you can use an acid cleaner. Follow the instructions on the package, let it sit on the stains before flushing and then scrubbing the toilet bowl again.

Finally, remember to wipe the toilet seat and lid dry to avoid attracting dirt and bacteria. Regular cleaning of these areas can significantly help in maintaining cleanliness.

Ongoing toilet maintenance involves regular cleaning and hygiene practices. Following these suggestions will keep your bathroom clean and germ-free.

Don’t Forget Your Pipes and Drains

The importance of inspecting and maintaining your home’s pipes and drains as part of your spring cleaning routine cannot be overstated.

Your plumbing system stands as an integral component of your household structure, facilitating key functions such as running water.

Taking inspiration from PlumbingSupply.com®, an esteemed source for all plumbing-related knowledge, it’s crucial to understand the relevance of regular upkeep.

Over time, disregarded pipe issues could lead to inconvenient blockages or even severe water damage.

This situation can be avoided by conducting simple checks on your home’s pipework and drains during your spring clean.

Not only does this help keep your pipes running smoothly but also aids in early detection of potential issues.

A bit of preventative maintenance now may save you a hefty repair bill down the track.

Consider investing in essential plumbing products that are readily available online to aid in this endeavour.

Remember, a well-cared-for plumbing system ensures reliable tap water supply, efficient drainage and contributes to a comfortable living environment.

Soliciting expert advice or seeking professional services when needed can provide a thorough check and resolve any lurking issues efficiently.

Testing Your Toilets and Sump Pump

It’s essential to avoid being caught off guard by a sump pump failure. Regular testing ensures it is going to work properly when needed.

The question that often arises, “How often should I test my sump pump?”. The answer is annually, but if you live in a flood-prone area, it could be more frequent based on your peace of mind.

Testing a sump pump doesn’t require expensive tools or materials. You’ll simply need a five-gallon bucket of water and perhaps a pair of waterproof gloves.

1. Test Your Sump Pump: Begin the process by filling the bucket with water. Remove any cover from your sump pump and pour the water into its pit. A working pump will immediately start drawing water out through the exhaust line. If water remains, there may be an issue with the intake pump, check valve or power supply.
2. Battery Backup Test: If your sump pump has a battery backup feature, it’s advisable to repeat the process without electricity to ensure the battery works during power outages. If your device includes a warning system, it should alert you now.

Possible problems generally reside within one of three areas: intake pump issues, check valve malfunctions or power issues.

1. Intake Pump Issues: One sign of an intake issue is if the motor starts but fails to drain water or drains too slowly. Common culprits include dirty filters or unexpected items clogging up the system. Fixing this typically involves unplugging and checking around the intake for blockages.
2. Check Valve Issues: A vital component of your sump pump is the check valve, designed to prevent water from re-entering the pit after drainage. If you notice water immediately filling back up after a pumping cycle, a faulty check valve may be the cause.
3. Power Issues: If your sump pump isn’t running at all, there might be an issue either with the power or with the motor itself. Always begin by checking the outlet with a receptacle tester.

Additional Precautions to Consider

How do I ensure safety when using space heaters?

Space heaters must be kept at least 3 feet from inflammable materials.

They should rest on an even surface, and the cord’s condition must be regularly inspected for damage.

Avoid using an extension cord with your space heater.

What should I do to manage household hazards for pets?

Apart from antifreeze, laundry dryer sheets, rat poison, and mothballs, coins too should be kept out of dogs’ reach.

Any tips for keeping my house secure during a storm?

A good practice would be to disconnect all appliances and electronics before a storm arrives.

Hiring an electrician to install a lightning protection system is also worthwhile.

How can I maintain washing machine hoses?

The condition of your washing machine hoses should be checked monthly.

Opt for reinforced stainless-steel braided hoses which are more durable than their rubber counterparts.

How can I ensure the safety of children in the house?

Take a child’s perspective by getting on your hands and knees when childproofing your home.

Make sure to cover all outlets and look out for sharp corners. Be particularly vigilant with anything related to water.

What precautions should I take when pressure washing my house?

A wide-angle nozzle is recommended when using a pressure washer. Stand several feet away from the house, ensuring you point the spray approximately 30 degrees from the surface you are cleaning.

How can I prune trees effectively?

Pruning trees should be done before leaves appear, usually in late winter.

Focus on cutting the dead branches first, then look to trim crossing branches. Avoid cutting more than 15 or 20 percent of a tree at any one time.

Plumbing Spring Clean

When embarking on your spring cleaning, don’t neglect your plumbing. It’s simple to overlook, but critical for well-maintained, functioning home. Issues such as leaks and blockages can be addressed, potentially saving you a significant amount of time and money down the track. So, make sure to include your plumbing in this year’s spring clean!