Happy Spring! With the spring cleaning season upon us, we would like to remind you not to forget about the plumbing that needs some routine cleaning/maintenance as well. Incorporating plumbing into your annual spring cleaning will help your plumbing fixtures to perform better, more efficiently, and last longer.
Here are some tips to help maintain your plumbing and avoid any plumbing disasters down the road:
INSIDE
Check All Toilets For Leaks
Toilet leaks can waste a lot of water, and parts in the tank need regular replacement. To check your toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait half an hour or so and check the water in the toilet bowl. If the water changes color, the toilet is leaking and needs repair. You’ll need to replace parts in the tank if you have to jiggle the toilet handle or hold it down for a complete flush. Toilets should flush smoothly with just one push of the handle.
Drain The Water Heater
Your water heater needs draining every year. Sediment builds up inside that can corrode pipes and shorten the life of your unit. You can drain the water heater yourself, or it can be done by a professional if you don’t want to tackle the job on your own. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-10 years, and they lose efficiency as they age. In Arizona, water heaters usually need replacement much sooner than that due to the water’s high mineral content.
Check All Drains
Bathroom sink drains collect hair and debris and need a regular cleanout. Remove the drain stoppers and wipe them clean. If you’re standing in several inches of water when you shower, you have a clogged drain. Once you unclog it, install a strainer to prevent future backups.
Check hoses for the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker.
Hose leaks can cause a lot of water damage, as they’re not always easily visible. Check all the hoses connecting your appliances to the water supply. They should be in good condition. Any hoses that look cracked or worn can leak and need replacement.
Check all exposed pipes.
Slow, undetected pipe leaks under sinks can cause significant water damage. To check for leaks, run the water at full force in each sink and watch the pipes to see if any water drips out. Then turn off the taps and see if the faucets leak. If they do or the whole hardware unit moves, the washers probably need replacement. For pull-down faucets, check that the hose is in good condition and not worn or frayed. Check the water supply valves under sinks, they can eventually get stuck in place. Turn the valves under each sink a few times in each direction to ensure they move freely.
Clean the garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals get a tough daily workout and need cleaning. Clean your disposal by placing a few cups of ice in the disposal while running cold water with disposal on until ice is all ground up. This will clean the build up from the disposal and reduce unwanted smells.
Clean showerheads and faucets.
Mineral deposits can clog the holes on shower fixtures and affect the water flow. Eliminate mineral buildup on your showerheads and faucets by soaking them in vinegar of CLR overnight and then scrubbing them with a small brush. The deposits should easily wash off. You can also use commercial cleaners designed to remove mineral buildup for this task.
OUTSIDE
Check outdoor faucets and sprinklers. 
Neglected outdoor faucets can leak for months without anyone noticing. Check the outdoor faucets and hose bibs around your home for drips or leaks. In cold weather, pipes can freeze and crack. Cracked pipes need replacement. Sprinkler systems also need attention, so check yours for leaks. Aim all sprinkler heads correctly so that they’re not spraying water on the walls of your home or sidewalks. If your yard has a drip irrigation system, check the timers and reset them if necessary. Spring is an ideal time for planting, but be aware of underground plumbing lines if you’re planting any new trees. Unusual wet spots in your yard may indicate a plumbing leak. Call a professional immediately to check the situation.
Clean out all gutters.
Clean leaves out of all your home’s gutters and check them for damage. Debris in the gutters can cause water to back up and overflow onto the walls of your home. Wet walls can eventually cause structural damage to your home.
Kowality Plumbing is your quality source for Reverse Osmosis, Water Filter Systems, Water Softeners and Phyn Plus – Moen Flo – Stream Labs, (smart water monitoring and auto shut off devices) throughout the East Valley.
