Hopefully Frederick County has seen the last of winter storms. With spring right around the corner, most of us are ready to get our homes back in order and looking clean. But while it’s tempting to make cosmetic improvements first, it’s important to check that all of your plumbing is functioning properly. That way, you won’t find a newly renovated bathroom or sparkling clean basement under water.
Check faucets and hose bibs
Water should flow freely when you first turn on outside faucets or hoses. If a faucet drips or you notice leaks 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.
Examine drains and gutters
Grab a ladder and climb up on your roof to clear out all of the gunk that’s accumulated over the winter. If drains and gutters are free of debris, you won’t have to worry about damage-causing clogs when heavy spring rain begins.
Make sure your sump pump is working
You can do this by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. When the water level reaches 8 to 12 inches below the surface of the basement floor, the pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off. If it doesn’t turn on, you’ll need to call a plumber to see what the problem is.
Ensure that your bathroom is functioning at its best
In the tub, you should have strainers in place to prevent hair and other debris from clogging the drain. You can also clean your shower head with vinegar to remove mineral deposits that prevent proper flow.
To check toilets for hidden leaks, add five drops of food coloring to the tank. If the toilet has a leak, you’ll see color in the bowl within 30 minutes. Also check around the base of the toilet for any leaks.
If you find any problems while checking on your home’s plumbing, give Putman Plumbing a call.
