Top 5 Plumbing Chores You Should Complete During Cooler Weather
The late winter and early spring are great times to prepare your plumbing for the upcoming warmer months. Spring usually comes with increased water usage, including lawn maintenance and other spring cleaning tasks, like washing windows and filling the swimming pool. Increases in water consumption often put more stress on the plumbing system. Damaged pipes, leaks, and other faults in your plumbing become more apparent after springtime when you need to supply more water for everyday living. Check off this list of plumbing chores during the cool-weather season:
Check the water heater
A water heater inspection is vital for preventing the system from overworking to get your water to the proper temperature. Some important things to consider with your water heater are ensuring the temperature exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit and flushing the water heater every six to 12 months. Of course, you can always check the manufacturer’s website or manual accompanying the unit to see if you have any other tasks or repairs to tackle.
Add a water softener
Gilbert, Arizona, and the surrounding Phoenix Metro are notorious for hard water. Water softeners balance the minerals found in hard water with potassium chloride and sodium chloride. Salt-based water softeners filter the harsh minerals that make our water hard, such as calcium and magnesium, and soften the water by doing so. Deciding on a salt-based or salt-free system is ultimately up to you.
Check for toilet leaks
Toilet leaks account for significant water waste and expensive water bills. Older toilets usually leak because of a worn flapper in the tank. A small crack in the toilet bowl or stem may also lead to thousands of gallons of wasted water each year. Pooling water on the floor signifies a leak.
Pump the septic tank
It would be best to get your household septic tank pumped every three to five years. A system with electrical float, mechanical parts, or a pump requires inspection and pumping, usually once per year. While homeowners can pump their septic tanks, they often leave this task to the pros.
Test outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems
Harsh summer heat often causes outdoor fixtures to wear or crack. For example, outdoor faucet components can break or need replacement if they are no longer functioning correctly. The same goes for sprinkler heads to keep your desert landscape healthy and thriving. Turn on the current system to check faucets and sprinklers and go to each sprinkler head and faucet. If you notice leakage, cracks, or anything preventing it from getting where it needs to go, you may need to replace that particular component.
Protect your plumbing system
The best way to prevent a plumbing disaster is to schedule an annual plumbing inspection with a licensed plumbing professional. Leaving the winter chores to your trusted plumber allows you to enjoy the cooler weather and prepare for the warmer months.
Edwards Plumbing LLC is a licensed and bonded family-owned plumbing team out of Gilbert Arizona, specializing in plumbing emergencies, repairs and renovations. We install and repair plumbing pipes, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, sewers, and more. Our competitive rates, honesty, experience serve residential and commercial customers. Call us at (480)680-9950.
