Spring Plumbing Tips to Save Money

Whether you realize it or not, wintertime can do a number on your plumbing, so it’s a good idea to take a few small steps now to prevent problems (and save money) later. Here’s what you can do, and when you should call your plumbing experts in Sacramento.

While you’re doing your spring cleaning, take time in rooms that have plumbing to make sure everything is shipshape. A few common sense plumbing checks now will save time and money later.

Bathroom and Kitchen Plumbing Tips

• Check for leaks and drips on your faucets. If they’re leaky or dripping, have them repaired or replaced.
• Check under sinks for signs of leakage, since it promotes the growth of mold and mildew as well as slowly rotting out your cabinets and floors.
• Slowly turn the shutoff valves on sinks and toilets to the off position and then back on. This keeps rust and mineral deposits from freezing them in the open position.
• Put a few drops of blue food coloring in your toilet tank. Come back after a half hour and see if the water in the bowl has a bluish tint. If so, you have a leak.
• Now flush. If you have to jiggle the handle or hold it down for a complete flush, it’s time to replace the parts in the tank.
• Is that drain strainer getting extra grungy? This is a good time to replace it to prevent clogs.

HVAC and Appliance Tips

• Drain a bit of water from your water heater, since sediments and mineral deposits build up over time, cutting down on your water heater’s energy efficiency.
• Check the temperature on your water heater. It should be set at 120 °F for safety and energy savings.
• Check the gaskets and hoses on your dishwasher to make sure they’re intact. Also check the area around the dishwasher for leaks.
• Schedule a cleaning and service of your HVAC system and ducts.
• Check maintenance records for your dishwasher, disposal, and HVAC system; schedule service if it’s due, and if an appliance is ten to fifteen years old, consider replacing it.

Other Parts of Your Home

• Get outside, since your water supply and hose bibs should be checked for leaks and damage.
• Likewise, if you have a well, it should be primed. Make sure the pump motor works well and the connections are sound.
• Test your sprinklers and irrigation to make sure they work properly.
• Have a sump pump? Pour water into the sump pit to make sure the pump starts and stops properly.
• As with your other shutoff valves, give the water main valve a workout every so often so it doesn’t seize.
• Make sure any exterior drains, gutters, and downspouts are clean and unobstructed.

These are just a few key areas to check. If you’re not sure if something’s working properly, needs repair or replacement, or somehow doesn’t seem right, call Ace Plumbing today!