Spring Plumbing Checklist: Get Your Plumbing Ready for Summer

Trusted Plumbing Solutions Since 2003

Summer means more activity at home. Parties, cookouts, kids home from school, pools, and sprinklers all mean more water usage and greater demand from your home’s plumbing system. We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but spring is also a great time to treat your plumbing to some TLC to help avoid problems when those high-demand months arrive.

Below, we’ll explore preparations you can make in the spring to help get your plumbing through the summer months.

1. Check for Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks can be slow and hard to find. Thorough checks for leaks can save you money on utility bills and repairs. Check for leaks at:

• Pipe connections
• Water meters: Note the reading at bedtime and make sure no water is used overnight. No meter change in the morning indicates no leaks, but changes need to be checked out
• Dishwasher and other appliance connections

If you suspect you have a leak, contact a professional for pipe repair, repiping, or leak detection services.

2. Check for Toilet Leaks

A toilet can leak internally but inconspicuously. To check this, drop some food dye into the tank. After half an hour, check to see if the dye has leaked into the bowl. If the bowl shows evidence of the dye, contact a professional for toilet repairs.

3. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing & Draining

Leaks and clogs can occur in your outdoor plumbing components and fixtures. Fully inspect your outdoor faucets and hose connections for damage or wear. Pour a gallon of water down any outdoor drains to make sure they’re functioning properly. Clear drains and downspouts of debris. Check your foundation for the sound of running water when the water is off, damp areas on floors or walls, and warm areas where hot water might be leaking.

4. Schedule Water Heater Draining

Over time, your water heater tends to collect minerals and sediment from the water it’s been heating. These can build up in the tank, reducing efficiency, causing corrosion, and shortening the water heater’s lifespan. Have your water heater drained every year to keep these deposits at a minimum, reducing the likelihood of repair and replacement needs.

5. Clean Your Showerheads

When your showerheads are clogged or dirty, it can cause spraying in unexpected directions, as well as reduced water pressure. Dirty showerheads can also promote bacteria growth. One simple way to clean a showerhead follows these steps:

• Loop a rubber band over the showerhead so it’s tightly secured to the pipe
• Fill a plastic sandwich bag with distilled white vinegar
• Position the showerhead inside the vinegar in the bag
• Attach the bag to the pipe using the rubber band
• After an hour, remove the bag and band, then run the shower to flush out the vinegar
• Polish the showerhead with a soft cloth

Choose Alliance Plumbing for Reliable Service

Alliance Plumbing has been performing superior plumbing services in Friendswood and League City with award-winning results since 2003. From remodeling to emergency plumbing services and everything in between, our plumbing pros bring extensive training and a wealth of experience to every job. We’ll help you ensure your plumbing is in great shape any time of year.

For more information about Alliance Plumbing’s plumbing services in the Friendswood and League City areas, contact us today.