Spring is here. If you are like us at Paul Henderson Plumbing, you know that planning ahead is key to taking proper care of your property.
And if you are as eager as we are to enjoy our summertime when the time comes, you also know that making sure your house’s plumbing is ready for summer is essential.
Before planning your summer vacation, consider following our checklist below to help you decide whether you need to call a plumber. But remember to give yourself plenty of time. Checking for issues a day or two before you have to leave could be detrimental to your house’s plumbing.
Inspect Hoses and Pipes for Leaks, Cracks, or Damage
Winter can take its toll on your house’s plumbing. If you don’t pay attention, a small crack caused by a pipe that froze during the colder months can lead to severe damage that will go well beyond a plumbing problem.
In order to avoid incidents during your summer vacation or any other time that you might happen to leave your house unattended for a series of days, inspect outdoor and indoor pipes and hoses for signs of cracks, bulges, or any other type of damage.
If any damage or signs of drips are spotted, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Buy new hoses and have them installed right away.
Don’t Neglect the Sump Pump!
If your house has a sump pump and you were hit with a bit more snow than usual this winter, it’s a good idea to check the system, especially if you’re planning on staying away from home for a few days.
About a week or two before you head out, pour a good amount of water down the sump pit to check whether things are working as they should. If the water drains well, you are good to go!
This step will be especially important as we enter storm season.
Teach Your Children to Flush Properly (and Keep the Trash Bin Accessible!)
This may sound like a no-brainer but if kids are spending a great deal of time at home, you will want to make sure they know how to flush properly. Teaching them to not throw too much toilet paper or other items in the toilet will save you in the long run.
Additionally, you will want to position your trash bin in a visible and accessible spot in the guest restroom.
Both children and guests might accidentally throw items in the toilet that do not belong there. As you may have imagined, that will lead to clogged toilets.
Check the Hot Water Heater for Problems
We have the bad habit of not thinking about the water heater until it stops working! While you’re inspecting hoses and the sump pump, make an extra effort to look at the water heater.
Search for rust, corrosion, or leaks by checking underneath the heater for signs of drips or water condensation. Today’s water heaters have a life expectancy of 8-12 years with proper care.
If your water heater is older than 15-years-old, make sure to get it checked by a professional. You won’t regret it.
If this seems too daunting, we’d love to help you out. Contact us at Paul Henderson Plumbing for help regarding sump pumps, water softeners, water heaters, hose and pipe repairs, and general plumbing. Don’t hesitate to call us at 317-872-3535.