Beat the Clogs: Your Seasonal Checklist for Plumbing Maintenance and Efficiency
There’s a nip in the air, and the changing colors signal the advent of a new season. Irrespective of whether you are transitioning into spring or winter, the new season demands some changes not just in your wardrobe but also in the maintenance routine of your house. This article aims to provide you with an effective seasonal checklist to keep your plumbing maintained and efficient all round the year.
Get familiar with your Plumbing System
Before we get started with the checklist, it is essential to understand a bit about your home’s plumbing system. Modern day residential frameworks generally incorporate two separate water systems – the first transports clean water to your home and the second disposes of waste water. Your home’s plumbing system isn’t a single entity, but a network of interconnected apparatus such as pipes, drains, faucets, and appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.
Regular maintenance of these components can help prevent major plumbing issues in the long run. Now, let’s gear up and explore your seasonal checklist for plumbing maintenance and efficiency.
Spring
1. Inspect Faucets and Pipes for Leakages
With spring thaw, pipes and faucets may show signs of leakage. A minute drip can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day, not to mention the burden it could put on your water bill. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to inspect your faucets and pipes regularly.
2. Check Outdoor Hose Bibs and Sprinklers
After winter, hose bibs and sprinklers might have been damaged due to freezing. It is important to check them and repair or replace if necessary to avoid unnecessary water waste.
3. Clean Gutters, Downspouts, and Vents
Spring is synonymous with rains and gusty winds. Therefore, cleaning out gutters, downspouts and ensuring vents on your roof are free from debris, is critical to avoid backups or water damage to your home.
Summer
1. Maintain Your Water Heater
Water heaters usually work overtime during winters which makes summer an ideal time for their overall inspection and maintenance which includes checking the pressure relief valve, flushing out sediments, adjusting the temperature etc.
2. Check Your Washing Machine
With all those beach trips and BBQ parties, your washing machine will be in high gear during the summer months. So, ensure to check the washing machine hoses for leaks, cracks or bulges. Replace them if necessary.
3. Inspect Your Sewer System
Summer is also the best time to get your sewer system inspected. Tree roots grow the most during summer which can lead to sewer line damages.
Fall
1. Disconnect Outside Water Hoses
If left connected during winter, water in the hoses can freeze and expand causing faucets and connected pipes inside your home to freeze and break. Therefore, it is advisable to disconnect outside water hoses in Fall.
2. Drain Your Water Heater
Particles and sediment can collect over time in the bottom of your water heater, hindering the unit’s efficiency. Flush the water through the drain valve to clear out the material and keep your heater functioning at its best.
3.Cap Vent Pipes
To prevent rodents from sneaking into your pipes during winter, it would be a wise move to put caps on vent pipes in the autumn.
Winter
1. Insulate Pipes in Exposed Areas
The inevitable cold winters can cause pipes in exposed areas to freeze. This can cause them to burst and lead to significant water damage. Ensure to insulate these pipes with heat tapes to avoid freezing.
2. Regularly Clear All Exterior Drains
Failure to clear ice and snow from exterior drains can cause standing water which can freeze and cause serious damage.
3. Keep Your House Warm
Constant low temperatures can lead to the freezing of pipes. Maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F even when you are away during the winter months to avoid freezing of pipes.
Conclusion
Being proactive about maintaining your home plumbing system not only prevents last minute hassles but also saves you money in the long run. Always remember, preventive maintenance is much less costly than emergency repairs. With a rigorous seasonal checklist, you can ensure your plumbing system’s longevity and your peace of mind.