Spring is surely in the air and there’s much more that needs to be done than just gardening. What most homeowners don’t realize is that spring cleaning isn’t just about cleaning out your closets and getting your new wardrobe out for the change in seasons, it should also apply to your plumbing system!

While making sure your yard and outdoor patio are looking fresh for the new season, you also want to make sure you check the following steps off of your spring cleaning list to avoid any nasty plumbing problems later in the season.

Check Your Toilets

It’s no secret that a leaky toilet can cause a serious disruption in your day, not to mention a major waste of water. Go to each bathroom in your house and check for leaks in both the tank and toilet bowl. If all looks fine, drop about 6 drops of colored food dye into the tank and wait about an hour. After waiting, if there is color in the toilet bowl, you might have a leak in your system.

Check Your Faucets and Pipes

Check each faucet in your home by turning it on and turning it off. Once shut off, if you see water escaping around the connections, you’ll want to have a professional come to your home and check the leak. Sometimes you’ll need new fixtures, but most leaks can easily be repaired. Either way, you’ll want to address the problem right away to avoid any further damage and prevent a higher water bill.

You’ll also want to check the visible pipes in your home, such as under sinks, and repeat the same step as above.

Water Heater Maintenance

A general rule of thumb: if your water heater is more than 15 years old, it might be time to start thinking about getting a new one. Regardless of how old your water heater is, it still needs to be properly maintained. Check your water heater and make sure it’s set to no more than 120 degrees. This will ensure you aren’t spending more than you need to on your monthly energy bill. You should also schedule an appointment for a professional to come out and inspect your water heater. At Legacy Sewer Line & Drain Service, we’ll come out and make recommendations for repair or replacement.

Test Your Sump Pump

You probably never really think about your sump pump, but you still need to make sure it’s working efficiently. Simply pour a bucket of water into the pump silo and see if it activates (which it should, immediately), drains the water, and then deactivates. If this doesn’t occur, there is most likely a problem with your sump pump and you need to call a professional to address it.

Clean Your Showerheads

Minerals and mold can build up over time on your showerheads so it’s important to clean them regularly. Don’t worry, you don’t have to remove your showerhead in order to clean. Simply loop a rubber band over the top of the showerhead, pour some distilled white vinegar into a plastic bag, put the showerhead into the opening of the bag, and slip the edge of the bag under the rubber band. Wait one hour (or overnight!) and remove the bag. Turn on the water to flush out the vinegar and wipe down with a cloth.

Long Beach Plumbing Services

At Legacy Sewer Line & Drain Service, no job is too big or too small. We take your plumbing needs seriously and that’s why we offer same-day service from a reliable team of highly trained plumbers in Long Beach, CA. Don’t let your plumbing issues go unaddressed! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.