Your Spring Plumbing Top 10 Checklist

It’s spring at last! Now is the perfect time to perform routine maintenance tasks on your home’s plumbing. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to check: 

1. Check the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be no higher than 120°. If your water heater is older than 15 years, then consider replacing it. 
2. Check hoses. Inspect the dishwasher and washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or discoloration. Replace them with steel hoses, if needed.
3. Check for toilet leaks. Check your toilets for leaks by adding several drops of food coloring to the tank water. If any color appears in the bowl after 30 minutes, then you’ve found a leak that needs to be repaired.
4. Clean your showerhead. Tie a bag of vinegar around your shower head, and soak it overnight to remove mineral deposits. 
5. Maintain drains. Pour a gallon of water down the drains you use less often to fill the trap, preventing odors from drifting upwards. 
6. Inspect for slow leaks. Record the reading on your water meter before bedtime. Don’t use any water overnight. If the meter has recorded water use when you take its reading in the morning, it might be due to a large leak or several small leaks. 
7. Test your sump pump. Slowly pour about five gallons of water into its basin to make sure it’s working properly. 
8. Perform outside home maintenance. Clear your downspouts, yard drains and gutters of leaves and debris.
9. Check your outdoor faucets and hose bibs for leaks. If your outdoor faucet drips the first time you turn it on, you may have a frozen pipe that needs to be replaced.
10. Call ARS/Rescue Rooter. Schedule your first ARS^®/Rescue Rooter^® plumbing home service plan visit to prevent costly repairs down the line.