Last time on the blog we talked about how you can add your water heater to your Spring Cleaning routine and we’re going to keep chugging along with that theme! This time on the ACE Home Services blog, we are looking at Spring Cleaning your plumbing! From your gutters to your shower drains, your plumbing system is a crucial part of your home’s wellbeing (more than most realize!) so finish the dusting and sweeping and add this to your To-Do List.
Plumbing Spring Cleaning Checklist
Let’s put it all in a handy checklist for you! If you want to read more about each piece, read further down and we’ll explain each thing in a bit more detail!
- Clear Gutters, Downspouts, and Vent Pipes
- Inspect Pipes
- Check Hose Bibs
- Snake Slow Drains
- Drain Cleaner All Drains
- Clean Sink Traps
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Laundry Room
- Clean Garbage Disposal
- Install Drain Strainers
- Maintenance Check Your Water Heater
- Clean Shower Heads
- Check Water Supply Lines
- Washing machine
- Faucets
- Toilets
- Other ____________
- Leak Check
As you probably figured out by this checklist, there’s a whole lot more that goes into your plumbing than just sinks and tubs. Open up your mind a bit and think about plumbing as anything related to the way your home uses and handles water, whether that’s by bringing it in through pipes or managing excess flood waters from heavy storms down gutters and drains. With that idea in place, you can go through these steps to make sure your home’s plumbing is ready to handle anything you throw at it!
Clear Gutters, Downspouts, and Vent Pipes
Located on your roof, these are the fixtures around your home that help move rainwater away from your home. Clear your gutters, downspouts, and vent pipes to prevent any water from pooling and causing damages to your roof or becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Inspect Pipes and Bibs
While you’re going about your home, take a moment to pay close attention to your pipes. Look for any leaks, damage or anything else unusual. You can also call in an expert for a full-blown plumbing inspection. Catching things early will make your life a whole lot easier.
Similarly, look at your hose bibs for leaks or damage, replacing as needed. If the leak continues after the spout has been replaced that’s a sign you likely have a cracked pipe along the line.
Snake Slow Drains
If you have any drains that are slow going, take the time to snake them to help remove any clogs that are limiting your pipes ability to drain. Pour a gallon of water down any drains that are infrequently used. This has two benefits, flushing any debris or dust that may be gathering in the drain and fill the trap to prevent any smells or sewer gases from coming up into the home.
Drain Cleaner All Drains
Use a bacterial drain cleaner on all of your drains. This will clear any build up or debris, preventing them from getting to a point of clogging.
Clean Sink Traps
Traps are places where gunk, grime, and clogs love to hang out. Cleaning them is dead simple so take a few minutes to clear them out.
Clean Garbage Disposals
While you’re at the sinks, take a moment to clean the garbage disposal.
Install Drain Strainer
Put mesh strainers in all of your sink and shower drains to help clogs from forming. These strainers will keep hair and other debris out of your pipes. Just be sure to clean them regularly!
Maintenance Check Your Water Heater
The average household in America uses about 60 gallons of hot water a day, so your water heater gets plenty of use. Perform the necessary maintenance to prevent too much wear and tear. We have plenty of blogs on the subject of water heater maintenance if you’d like to read more.
Clean Shower Heads
Clean any mineral build-up from your shower heads and faucets. You can do this using warm water, vinegar, plastic bags, and rubber bands. Fill the plastic bag with vinegar and warm water, put the shower head into the mix and secure it. Let the vinegar sit and work it’s magic. Otherwise you can take the shower heads off and clean them that way.
Check Water Supply Lines
Again an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Inspect the water lines running to each of your water fixtures and appliances for any bulges, tears, or leaks, replacing the lines where necessary. A bulging line now can mean a busted one at any time so save yourself the trouble.
Leak Check!
With everything down, go back around your home and check for leaks thoroughly, especially if you had to repair or replace anything. Check your water meter before bed and again first thing in the morning to verify that water hasn’t been running anywhere. If you find any leaks or need help making repairs, you know who to call! ACE Home Services has been providing the Valley with the best service for years, and we stand by our work. We’re here to help!
