6 Quick Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Spring Cleaning
When the seasons change and we can finally say goodbye to the cold, harsh winters that means it is time for plumbing maintenance.
Sure, it might not be the first thing you think of, but it should be included in all spring cleaning. Your plumbing keeps the home running smoothly. Any issues and your routine will be blocked up like the toilet.
This kind of maintenance will help you avoid plumbing repairs. The end of winter is the perfect time to get on board with some extra plumbing maintenance.
What is Plumbing Maintenance?
First things first, what is plumbing maintenance? Well, it is the regular routine care given to your home’s plumbing. That include fixing leaking taps, a hot water service, toilet repairs, drain cleaning and more.
You can also include work on gas appliances or carbon monoxide tests, although you will need a licensed gas fitter.
Now, with plenty of potential jobs on the horizon, it is hard to know where to start. Forget the uncertainty and follow our 6 quick plumbing maintenance tips for spring cleaning.
1. Clean Your Drains and Tapware
Over time drains fill with soap, hair, grease and who knows what else. This is where you may have heard the term FOG – fats, oil and grease.
With all the hidden mess it makes your drains a great place to start spring cleaning.
Research shows there are plenty of tips and tricks out there, but in reality there is just one long-term solution if you do face repeated blocked drains. That solution is professional help.
If your drains have a habit of blocking, calling in a local plumber will give you access to some handy technology – and someone who does the dirty work for you!
For example, Plumber Near Me can provide CCTV drain inspection before using a hydro jet or electric eel to clear any blocked drains. It will be a long-term solution for clogged drains that is far more effective than using a plunger or wire hook.
However, if your drains have been in good nick, you can try a few home remedies. Mix detergent and two litres of boiling water, before gradually pouring it down drains to break down FOG. There are also store-bought chemical drain cleaners that are effective.
Avoid vinegar and baking soda as it has been proven to be inefficient at unblocking drains.
Vinegar will help your shower, though. If you can remove your showerhead just leave it in a bowl of vinegar overnight, or otherwise fill a bag and just tie it to the shower overnight. When you take it off you’ll have a sparkling fixture.
2. Check for Signs of Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes can be a hidden danger. The initial warning signs could be subtle enough that you miss them during plumbing maintenance inspections. The following list could be pretty useful so you do not miss a thing.
As you spring clean the bathroom or kitchen, keep an eye out on:
- Lower than normal water pressure
- Damp spots on the wall or ceiling
- Mould or mildew
- Higher than usual water bills
- Musty or damp smelling rooms
- Unusual sounds such as whistling, banging or dripping from the pipes
It is completely normal for some mould to develop in the bathroom, especially in the corners of your shower. But it should never appear on the walls or in what should be a dry corner.
Take a look under the cabinets as you clean, too. Make sure the pipes are not dripping and there’s no water where it should not be.
You can even take a measure on your water meter. Take note of the reading before going to bed, and then check again in the morning when you wake up to see if any water is being used.
That will give a clear indication of any unknown problems which likely need the help of a professional plumber.
3. Toilet and Cistern TLC
After cleaning the drains and checking your pipes, it is time for some toilet tender loving care. You heard us, even your toilet suite deserves some love and plumbing maintenance!
Dust off the cistern, clean those nooks and crannies, scrub that bowl!
While you get everything spick and span, how are the rubber seals looking? Or the flush valve? Take a look at all the parts for any signs of wear and tear.
Also, a simple way to check for any plumbing leaks is by placing a couple of drops of food colouring into the cistern. You will be able to track any leaks, from a dripping pipe to a gradual leak into the toilet bowl.
4. Service the Hot Water System
A professional plumber may be the best choice when it comes to servicing a hot water system. Especially for a storage tank unit.
Legionella pneumophilia can grow in storage tanks as they love warm water. Thankfully, hot water at 60°C will kill off 90% of Legionella bacteria, and at 70°C nearly 100% will die instantly.
However, it is best to regularly flush your hot water system due to the fact mineral deposits and sediment can build up inside the tank. This impacts the quality of water and could lead to blocked pipes.
Your local Plumber Near Me will be able to safely flush any hot water system, and provide a thorough service on all makes and models.
They can test the pressure release valve, the heating element, thermostat, pipework, insulation and more! Your gas instantaneous hot water system or electric storage tank will be healthy in no time.
5. Don’t Forget Your Appliances
When did you last think about the efficiency of your fridge, washing machine or dishwasher? Our appliances are used daily and should not be forgotten when it comes to plumbing maintenance.
Remember to clean out your washing machine’s lint filter and take a look at the supply hoses, or the taps. All the various parts will wear over time and at some point will need to be replaced.
For gas appliances, call in a fully licensed gas fitter from Plumber Near Me to run any gas leak detection tests, or check for potential carbon monoxide leaks.
6. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing and Clean the Gutters
For the last part of your spring cleaning – or maybe the first if you love gardening – inspect your gutters and outdoor plumbing.
The gutters are actually one of the most important elements of your home.
Typically, you will clean them in autumn after trees lose their leaves, but a post winter clean is also useful. Storms can knock off tree branches and all sorts of debris may end up in the gutters.
As a worst case scenario, blocked gutters can lead to a leaking roof. Water that cannot reach your downpipes will be forced to find a new escape route. That is often the ceiling.
To avoid an internal downpour, keep your gutters clean! And while you are outside, check the outdoor taps for any drips, see if your irrigation is leaking, etc.
Springtime is the best time to find any little niggling issues to fix.
Save Time and Money
As you embark on your spring-cleaning journey, don’t forget to give some attention to your plumbing system.
By following these six quick plumbing maintenance tips, you can ensure that your plumbing system is in optimal condition, saving you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
- Check for leaks: Inspect all taps, toilets and pipes for any signs of leaks. Addressing leaks promptly can prevent water waste and avoid more significant issues later on.
- Clear clogs: Take the time to unclog any slow drains in your home. Use natural methods like baking soda and vinegar or a plunger to remove debris and restore proper drainage.
- Test toilet functionality: Ensure that your toilets are flushing properly and without any signs of running water. Faulty toilets can waste water and increase your utility bills.
- Inspect hot water system: Check your water heater for any leaks or signs of corrosion. Consider draining the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can improve its efficiency.
- Examine washing machine and other appliances: Inspect the hoses connected to your washing machine for any cracks, bulges or signs of wear. Replace them if necessary to prevent potential flooding.
- Outdoor plumbing: Inspect outdoor taps, sprinkler systems and hoses for any damage caused by winter weather. Repair or replace any damaged components to ensure efficient outdoor water usage.
By incorporating these quick plumbing maintenance tips into your spring-cleaning routine, you can promote the longevity of your plumbing system, prevent costly repairs, and enjoy a worry-free season ahead.
Remember, if you encounter any major plumbing system issues or are unsure about handling a specific problem, it’s always best to seek professional assistance.
Plumber Near Me for all Plumbing Maintenance
No matter the size of the job, Plumber Near Me is ready to go this spring. Our local plumbers will be able to provide a thorough all-round inspection if you choose, or a specific service.
If you have any doubts about a plumbing system or gas fitting problem and just want to play it safe, we can help. With plumbers on call 24/7, we can be there quickly in a plumbing emergency.
There is no need to wait for the spring rush. Beat the neighbours and book in your spring cleaning plumbing maintenance with Plumber Near Me today.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.