Fall Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Fall is a good time to insect your home’s plumbing system to identify any problems that could lead to damage, wasted water and unexpected repairs.

1. Fix Leaks – Inspect shower heads, faucets and other plumbing fixtures for drips. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a year. Check toilets for leaks by adding several drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the tank is leaking, colored water will appear in the toilet bowl.

2. Test Your Sump Pump – Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pump pit. The pump should turn on immedaitely, remove the water, then turn off.

3. Sewer & Drain Maintenance – Check that all drains have strainers to prevent debris clogging the drain lines. Schedule a sewer line inspection. A video sewer line inspection will help to find the small issues before they become a major problem.

4. Ensure Plumbing Systems Are Regularly Used – Exercising faucets and water valves under sinks and toilets will prevent them from sticking from underuse.

5. Maintain Your Water Heater – Drain a few gallons from the water heater tank to remove sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and can shorten the life of the water heater. Check with your water heater manufacturer’s instructions for your specific make/model.

Need help maintaining your home’s plumbing system? Call ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we can help.