As temperatures increase, it’s time to turn an eye to making adjustments to your plumbing and ensuring that your fixtures are all in working condition. If you aren’t able to move around your property, or if you don’t feel confident handling this evaluation on your own, consider reaching out to us for a spring walk-through. We are ready to assist you with any or all of the following tasks:
Drain Sediment from the Water Heater
Over time, sediment collects in your water heater and decreases its efficiency. It helps to drain this sediment yearly or have a professional plumber do the job for you. Otherwise, your water heater won’t function correctly, and you risk damaging the heating elements and causing corrosion to the tank. A skilled plumber can handle this job in an hour or two, preventing damage to your appliance.
Schedule a Gutter Cleaning
Leaves, sticks, and debris build up in your gutters and downspouts throughout the year. It’s unwise to leave them in your gutters, as the extra weight can pull the gutter away from your roof. Also, mold and mildew can grow in this moisture-rich environment. Instead, schedule a gutter cleaning each spring and fall so that you can prevent these issues. You may also want to think about installing gutter protectors so that nothing winds up in your gutters in the first place.
Check Your Water Valves
You may not use every water valve around your home regularly. If you have water valves in your basement or outdoors, it’s essential to check them yearly to ensure that they still work correctly. Turn each valve on and off to make sure that it isn’t leaking or jammed. If you notice a problem, contact a plumber to have them repair the issue. You may need to have a stuck valve evaluated, or you may need to have it replaced entirely.
Look for Visible Leaks
Each spring, walk through your home and visually examine your pipes. Check under sinks, in the basement, and around your bathrooms. If you notice that an area is wet or leaking, you’ll need to reach out to a professional to help you repair the problem. Prevention is vital when it comes to plumbing issues. Catching a leak while it’s small can save you quite a bit of money, ensuring that it doesn’t turn into a significant, expensive problem down the road.
Examine Your Water Heater
You likely turned the temperature up on your water heater over the winter as the weather got cold. Most professionals recommend that you keep the temperature at around 120 degrees, so check the settings this spring. Adjusting the temperature can extend the life of your water heater.
As you make this adjustment, be sure to look for signs of leaks or wear like rust, soot, or water pooling around the heater. If you see any of these issues, be sure to reach out to a professional plumber to have your water heater evaluated. Otherwise, it may not be working as effectively as it should, and you can end up wasting electricity and dramatically limiting your hot water supply.
A skilled plumber can help you evaluate your home seasonally, repairing any damage that may have occurred over time. This gives you the perfect opportunity to assess your pipes for damage, drain sediment from your water heater, and check your plumbing for leaks. Reach out to Ford’s plumbing to schedule an appointment for this service. Our friendly professionals will be happy to help you evaluate your entire property to prepare for warmer weather.
