10 Spring Plumbing Tips for Northeast Ohio

Have you ever noticed that once we go onto Daylight Savings Time, we seem to have more  energy? Spring has arrived in Northeast Ohio, and it feels like our time of hibernation is ending. Since that’s the case, we thought we’d share with you the 10 spring plumbing tips that will make your spring and summer uneventful – at least in terms of emergency plumbing repairs.

1. Make sure your main shut off valve is labeled and that everyone in your house knows where it is and how to shut off the water. You would be amazed at how many people have no idea how to turn the water off in an emergency. Find the valve, and label it with a string and index card or something else that will make sure everyone notices it.
2. Check all your faucets for leaks, both inside and outside the house. A leaking faucet can cost you a small fortune over time, so if you find one that drips, fix it or have a plumbing come out to do the job. Who wants to watch their money flow down the drain?
3. Check your toilets for leaks and inspect the base for wet spots. Put some food coloring in the toilet tank. If it leaks, you’ll notice the color going into the toilet bowl. If there’s a leak around the base, you’ll probably need to replace the wax ring on which the toilet sits. Don’t ignore wetness around the base –– it can rot your subflooring before you know it, and that’s a major headache.
4. Inspect your pipes that are under sinks or in crawl spaces or other places that are hard to see. Watch for dampness that never dries. That’s a sign of a leak somewhere. If you cannot find the source, have a professional plumber come out to tackle the job.
5. Check your garbage disposal. Get a flashlight and check the pipes under the sink when it’s running. You want everything to be dry under the sink. In damp areas, mold can grow before you know it.
6. If you have a water conditioning system, check your salt level, and look for leaks around the valves and pipes under the storage tank. You may even want to run a potability test if your water has high levels of minerals in it.
7. Check your hot water tank and drain it until the water being discharged is clear. If your tank is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it.
8. Clean out your gutters, downspouts and driveway drains. You need to keep these free of debris. Clogged downspouts can result in water seeping into your basement.
9. Check your sump pump. Remove the sump cover and check to see how much water is in it. Using a flashlight and a pail of water, test the float to make sure the pump can operate freely.
10. Have an HVAC company come out to clean and inspect your air conditioning system. Naturally, you should replace your furnace filter. But spring is a great time to get your system checked out by a pro. Remember, simple maintenance is always less expensive than a breakdown.

The good news is that none of these tips takes a long time to do. You can probably do them all in one afternoon, and then you’ll be able to relax and check “Spring Plumbing Maintenance” off your list.

If you run into trouble, there’s only one number to call, no matter where you live in northeast Ohio. Call The Plumbing Source at 216-365-0600 during regular business hours, or call our 24-hour service hotline at 877-768-7239.

 Let The Plumbing Source handle all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs.