Spring Cleaning – Except for Your Plumbing Fixtures

Most of us use the spring months to throw out all of our old disco attire and clean that spot behind the fridge that we neglect 364 days of the year. Yes, we’re talking about spring cleaning. But did you know that spring cleaning can also apply to your plumbing?

It’s true! Your pipes, drains and appliances need attention and spring is the perfect time to give them the care they deserve. But what does that entail?

Check for Leaks

Cracked and faulty pipes can run up your water bill and cause damage to your home. The first place you should look for leaks is under your sink. Open the cabinets beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks and run the cold and hot water separately. Check to make sure your pipes don’t drip or worse, spray.

You should also check your toilets for leaks. To do this, put about six drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15-30 minutes. If the dye seeps into the toilet bowl during that time, your toilet has a leak. This can usually be repaired by replacing some internal toilet components, but sometimes a professional is needed.

Finally, you should check your water meter reading before you go to sleep and turn your water off overnight. Check your meter again in the morning. If the reading changed, you have a water leak in your home. You can learn more about this in our water leak pro tip.

Fill Unused Drains

You know that backroom in your basement where you put all that old disco gear you’re about to throw out? It probably has a drain somewhere on the floor. That drain has a trap that needs to be filled with water to keep your basement from smelling like sewage.

But odds are, you don’t use that drain very often. So that water could’ve evaporated and dried up. Simply pour a gallon of fresh water down that unused drain to ensure the sewage smell will stay away for another year.

Clean Slow Drains

While we don’t recommend using chemical drain cleaners, we do recommend snaking slow shower and sink drains to ensure you no longer have to stand in a few inches of water while you shower and your sink doesn’t overflow while you wash your hands. And if a snake doesn’t do the trick, you can always try a shop vac.

After you have your drains clear, check out our pro tip on avoiding clogged drains.

Make sure your plumbing fixtures are in top shape this spring by requesting an appointment with the experts at Superior Drainage.