While you’re busy refreshing your home this season, don’t forget what’s behind your walls! A quick plumbing check now can save you from headaches (and wallet-aches) later.
Here’s how to give your pipes the spring attention they deserve
1. Check Your Water Heater
Is your water heater making strange noises or showing its age? Spring is the perfect time for maintenance. Your water heater should be set no higher than 120°F for both safety and energy efficiency. If it’s older than 15 years, consider replacing it before it fails at the worst possible moment. The expert plumbers at Ballard can drain your tank properly to remove sediment buildup that kills efficiency and shortens your heater’s lifespan.
2. Inspect All Hoses and Connections
Take a close look at those dishwasher and washing machine hoses – they’re ticking time bombs if cracked or bulging. Replace worn rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones for extra peace of mind. Remember, a single burst hose can flood your home in minutes when you’re not around!
3. Hunt Down Hidden Toilet Leaks
Here’s a pro trick: drop food coloring in your toilet tank and wait 30 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you’ve caught a sneaky leak that’s silently wasting water and money. These simple-looking leaks can add hundreds to your water bill if left unchecked.
4. Declutter Your Drains
Pour a gallon of water down rarely-used drains to refill P-traps and block sewer odors. For showerheads, tie a bag of vinegar around them overnight to dissolve mineral buildup. Your morning shower will thank you with better pressure and no more spraying in random directions!
5. Test Your Sump Pump
Spring showers bring… potential basement flooding. Pour five gallons of water into your sump pump basin to ensure it kicks on properly. If it struggles or makes unusual noises, don’t wait for the next downpour to find out you have a problem. This is definitely a job where calling Ballard makes sense – basement flooding can cause thousands in damage.
Outdoor Plumbing Needs Love Too!
Don’t forget to check outdoor faucets for freeze damage. If you turn one on and it drips or sprays irregularly, you might have a cracked pipe that needs immediate attention. And while you’re clearing gutters and downspouts, make sure they’re directing water away from your foundation.
When to Call the Plumbing Pros
While DIY checks are great, some plumbing jobs are best left to experienced professionals. For anything that seems complex or could potentially cause water damage, don’t hesitate to call Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving San Bernardino homeowners for years with quality service you can trust.
Ready to schedule your professional spring plumbing check? Call us today at 909-297-1914 or schedule on our website. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes an emergency!