Schrader Plumbing Blog

Spring Plumbing Tips from Schrader Plumbing

It’s that time of year in Texas~April storms:) bring May flowers, which means it’s time for our Spring Plumbing tips. We hope these plumbing maintenance tips can help you protect your home against plumbing issues in the future.

Appliances

• Consider replacing water heaters older than 10 years (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.) Newer water heaters are much more energy efficient.
• Check washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker supply hoses for leaks or bulges. Replace compromised hoses with stainless steel hoses wherever possible. They are more reliable and less prone to bursting than other types.
• Change the temperature setting on the water heater to be set no higher than 120°F to reduce energy use and prevent scalding .
• Make sure flammable items are not stored near your water heater.
• Clean out your washing machine lint trap.
• Flush out the water heater. Sediment build up reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer ‘s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.

Bathroom/Kitchens

• Check toilets for hidden leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.
• Place strainers on all drains to prevent hair, soap and debris from clogging the drain lines.
• Check faucets for leaks and drips. Have repairs done to save water.
• Inspect toilet tank and bowl for cracks or leaks.
• Clean mineral deposits from shower head. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar or fill a plastic baggie with vinegar; place it over the shower head and hold in place with a rubber band. Soak overnight then remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove deposits. Make sure the type of finish on your shower head can handle vinegar( google your brand/type) otherwise it could remove the finish!
• Do your toilets flush properly? If you have to hold down the handle to flush everything or you hear it running-you may need to replace worn tank parts. You will notice a difference in a lower water bill after you do!

General

• Check exposed pipes under sinks and in the basement( if you have one) for signs of leaks.
• Inspect for slow leaks in your home by taking a reading on your water meter before bedtime. The next morning, without using any water overnight, take another reading. If the reading has changed you have a leak that should be repaired.
• Have a flood alarm installed. Like a smoke alarm, a flood alarm is a battery-operated device that sounds an alarm when it comes in contact with water. It can alert you to potential leaks before they get too damaging.
• Pour a gallon of water into drains that are not used often (including floor drains) to fill the trap and prevent odors from entering the house. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they will carry away water quickly in the event of a flood.

Outside

• Check for nests or debris in plumbing vent pipes.
• Check faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet drips or if there is leakage inside your home the first time the hose is turned on, you may have had a frozen pipe that cracked and needs to be replaced. If you don’t find any cracks, also check for discoloration, or mold or moss growth; these are signs that there is a crack that you might not be able to see.
• Make sure gutters, yard drains, and downspouts are cleaned out, open, and free of debris.
• Test your water pressure. When you turn on a faucet in the house, and notice that water pressure seems to have dropped, it could be a sign of a leak or another problem requiring a plumber’s prompt attention.

CALL SCHRADER PLUMBING TODAY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SPRING PLUMBING TIPS

If you find any problems going over our spring plumbing tips, We’d love to help you get everything back in proper working order! Just give us a call at (817) 262-0989.