Spring Cleaning Checklist
Winters can be tough on your plumbing, with freezing temperatures putting a strain on your pipes and pressure on your tank, it’s no wonder homeowner’s experience unfortunate drips and leaks that didn’t exist last fall. Let Hunter Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc. help you with your spring cleaning checklist to ensure your plumbing, heating, water well, septic system and drains are in good working order! Here are 10 things to check over this spring:
Check over your drains – Spring is here and so is the rain and wet weather. You need to make sure the drains in your home are clog free and ready to take on anything. If you have any unused or infrequently used floor drains in your basement, fill the trap by pouring in a gallon of water. You can also do this to test your sump pump by pouring a few buckets of water in your sump pump pit. The sump pump should immediately switch on and pump out the water before turning off again. If it doesn’t do this, it is best to get your sump pump checked over by the professionals at Hunter Plumbing and Heating before it’s too late and your basement floods.
Check over your exterior plumbing – Your exterior plumbing can and will have a negative impact on your home if it is not in good working order. It is not uncommon for leaks and flooding to occur. Start by cleaning out all the gutters and eaves and ensure the downspouts are directed away from your house at the right degree. Check visible pipes and faucets for leaks or erosion. Also check your roof vents to ensure the mesh surroundings are clear of leaves, ice, sticks and possibly even a bird’s nest.
Check over your water heater – You will want to check for leaks before anything else. Look around the bottom of the tank for water and around the fittings at the top of the water heater. Depending on if it is a big leak or a slow leak, there may be just a few drops of water or a big pool of water. If left unchecked, these leaks can become worse, more costly problems in the future. Also, look for the flush valve on your water heater and pump out a few gallons. This will drain out sediment and allow you to look for corrosion in the tank. Doing this once a year can actually make your water heater a more effective system and protect the life span of your water heater. Not comfortable checking this out yourself? Call in the experts at Hunter Plumbing and Heating! We provide service, maintenance and repair services on plumbing and water heaters!
Check your toilets – While running toilets are easy to spot and hear, you may not know how to look for a leak. Try putting a few drops of food colouring into the tank of the toilet. If the colour appears in the toilet in less than an hour, it is time to get that toilet fixed. If you also notice water around the base of the toilet or water dripping from the supply, it is time to call in Hunter Plumbing and Heating to fix and/or replace your toilet to prevent further mold and water damage.
Check your faucets for drips or leaks – Look over your kitchen and bathroom taps for water leaking around the base or water dripping from the drains under the sink. Ensure that all drains are in good working order and drain properly. If they are slow, check the drains for clogged food debris and hair. Clean mineral deposits from your shower heads, toilets, bathtub tap and faucets using vinegar or CLR. If you find you cannot unclog your drains yourself, or fix the leak at your faucet, call in the experts at Hunter Plumbing and Heating before the problem worsens and becomes more expensive!
Check your septic system – Septic system cleaning is important for many reasons. The primary reason cleaning your septic system is important is to ensure that your septic system lasts as long as possible in good condition. It is recommended that your septic tank should be pumped out every 2-5 years, depending on the number of people living in your household. After the tank is pumped, call in the experts at Hunter Plumbing and Heating to inspect your system for potential problems that may arise, so you can get them fixed.
Inspect your air conditioner – Your furnace has worked hard all winter and now is a good time to change your air filter if you haven’t already done so to get things ready for spring. Check over your air conditioner to ensure it is clean and there is no debris, such as leaves, in and around the unit. Hunter Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc. offers yearly air conditioner inspections, if you are unsure or notice a potential issue with your unit.
Inspect your well – Snow and ice buildup can cause your well lid to crack, leaving areas for contaminants to enter. Inspect your well lid and casing and re-seal where necessary. Clean debris such as leaves, mulch, soil, etc. around your well and regrade the soil so water runs away from it. If you do notice any issues, or areas where bacteria and other contaminants could enter, call in the experts at Hunter Plumbing & Heating to inspect your well. We will recommend the best solution to protect you and your family.
Install new batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors – Now is a good time to ensure these detectors are functioning in case there is an emergency.
Inspect caulking – Be sure to inspect the caulking in your bathroom around sinks, toilets, taps, bathtub and shower surrounds. In your kitchen around sinks, taps and counter tops and around windows and doors. Re-caulk where necessary to prevent water seepage and mold growth.
Spring is a busy time of year both inside and out, but your household plumbing, heating, well and septic system should not be overlooked. Drips, leaks, and floods can become costly and easily ruin your home. If you are too busy, or notice a problem but don’t have the time or know-how to fix it, call Hunter Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc. at (519) 458-4488. We are here to help with your spring repairs and projects!
