Just like other parts of your home, your plumbing needs some spring cleaning too! When you take the time to check and clean your plumbing, you’ll save money and catch anything before it turns into a big problem. Here are a few tips to help you know what to clean when it comes to your home plumbing.
Don’t forget to clean and check your kitchen pipes and drain!
Kitchen:
Your kitchen probably gets a good clean during the springtime, but don’t forget about the plumbing! Here are some tips:
- Check your pipes. Now is a good time to do a check-up of your kitchen pipes for any leaks or drips. If you see anything suspicious, take care of it right away.
- Clean your garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal has probably been through a lot in its lifetime, so now is the perfect time to show it some love. A simple cleaning will keep your garbage disposal working well.
- Clear any clogged drains. If your kitchen sink has got a clog, it can slow your drain and leave you frustrated. Pour some boiling water down your kitchen sink drain to help clear the build-up. To help avoid clogs, get mesh strainers and avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink.
Bathroom:
Spring cleaning time is the best time to really get in your bathroom and get everything clean! Here are the places you should make sure to get:
- Ensure your toilets are working properly. Check to see if they’re flushing right and that there are no leaks. If your toilet is perpetually running or you need to hold or jiggle the handle to get it to work, then it’s time to call a plumber so they can replace parts.
- Clean up sink faucets and showerheads. With hard water in Arizona, mineral deposits often build up around showerheads and faucets. Get a plastic sandwich bag, fill it with vinegar, and attach it to your showerheads and faucets with rubber bands. Leave it to soak overnight and then scrub them clean with an old toothbrush the next morning.
- Clean your drains here, too. Don’t forget about your drains in the bathroom. Even if they aren’t clogged, preventative measures will help you avoid clogs in the future. Use boiling water to flush them out, and consider getting a drain snake to clear out any debris that’s hiding in the drains.
Outside:
Checking your outdoor plumbing is just as important as your indoor plumbing. Here are some spring-cleaning tips for outside:
- Clean your gutters, downspouts, and yard drains. These areas can often be neglected, but keeping them clean will help you avoid any unfortunate mishaps in the future.
- Check your plumbing vent pipes. These can sometimes be blocked by bird nests and random debris, so make sure your vent pipes are clear.
- Look at your outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Make sure the water is flowing freely and that there are no drips or leaks. If you notice drips, you might need to replace them.
Flush out infrequently used drains to avoid bad odors.
General:
Other plumbing spots in your house also need their spring-cleaning time. Don’t forget about these areas as well:
- Flush out infrequently used drains. Drains not used often can dry up and let odors into your home. Pour a gallon of water into each drain to prevent that from happening.
- Make sure your water heater is working properly. If it’s more than 15 years old, you might want to consider replacing it with a new, more energy-efficient model.
- Check your sump pump and ensure that it’s working properly. Pour water into the sump pit. If the pump is working correctly, it should turn on quickly, remove the water, and then shut off with no problems.
Got a Plumbing Problem? Let City Plumbing Services Help
If you run into a leak or other plumbing problem while you’re doing your spring cleaning, don’t panic. Call us and we can help. With City Plumbing Services, our licensed and insured plumbers will waste no time fixing your problem. Call us for reliable and professional plumbing services you can trust. We’re located in Cave Creek, but are ready to help those in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Surprise, and most of the East Valley of Arizona.
