Spring Plumbing Tips | Plumber Arlington

As the first days of spring arrive, it is time for the annual spring maintenance check on your home’s plumbing. After winter is over, outdoor plumbing is one of the first items to check, in the event winter has left you with leaks or other damage. Benjamin Franklin plumbing offers the following spring plumbing tips to assist you in assessing the condition of your home’s plumbing, both indoors and out. Contact us if you need a plumber in Arlington.

Outdoors

The outdoor components of your home’s plumbing system are the most vulnerable to freeze damage. Check all faucets for leaks. If none is noted, place a container under each and recheck in an hour. If there are slow leaks, water will be caught within the container, identifying a leak that would otherwise be overlooked. Provide repairs to save water, or contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington to provide them for you.

• Inspect gutters and downspouts, ensuring they are free of debris and in good condition. Ensure splash guards are angled away from the home’s foundation to provide effective drainage and prevent seepage of water into the basement or crawlspace.
• Check plumbing and gas ventilation pipes for debris and blockage, especially if this task was overlooked during the fall.
• If you have a pool house, hot tub or other plumbing fixtures outdoors, inspect them, and any visible plumbing for leaks.

Indoor

If your home has a sump pump, ensure its operation properly by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit, or enough to raise the float, and trigger it to run. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off without any problems. If it fails to run, ensure it is plugged up and check the circuit breaker to ensure it is on. If it still will not run contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for repair.

• Inspect exposed pipes in the basement and under the sinks for any signs of leaks.
• Check faucets for leaks. Signs of a slow leak are wet sinks.
• Check toilets for leaks. Add food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Inspect the tank and bowl for cracks, if found, replacement will be required to avoid potentially severe water damage to your home. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for toilet repair.
• Work water shut off valves under sinks and toilets back and forth to prevent them from sticking. If your home lacks them, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can install them for you.
• Clean mineral deposits from the shower head. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar after testing the finish in an inconspicuous area, or fill a sturdy plastic bag with vinegar; place it over the shower head and hold it in place with a thick rubber band. Soak 2 hours to overnight, then remove and gently scrub with a soft brush to remove remaining deposits. Rinse, dry and apply Teflon plumbers tape to the pipe, screw the showerhead back on. Check for leaks, and repeat with Teflon tape if necessary.
• Check dishwasher, washing machine and ice maker supply hoses for bulges, dry rot or leaks. Replace hoses showing signs of wear or those older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses, which are durable and less prone to bursting than other types.
• Install flood alarms, a battery-operated device that sounds an alarm when it comes in contact with water. It alerts you to potential flooding or leaks.
• Flush the water heater. Drain the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the appliance’s lifespan. Allow to drain until sediment is no longer seen. Thereafter, drain 2 quarts every 3 months to remove sediment. If you maintain this schedule routinely, a full flush will not be required again. Check the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
• Provide a water meter test to ensure there are no hidden leaks in your home. Read the meter and record it. Ensure all automatic water using appliances are shut off, such as the ice maker. Perform the test when there is no one else home to use water. Return in an hour and recheck the meter reading. If the gauge has moved, there is a leak. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for leak detection and repair.
• Place strainers in all possible drains to prevent food, soap, hair and other debris from accumulating in drains, causing a clog.

We hope you found these spring plumbing tips useful. If your home has leaks or other plumbing problems, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide the expertise needed for all of your plumbing repairs, installation and service. Our reliable plumbers serve Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. We are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.