Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil predicted, it appears that spring is rearing its head early this year. For many that means getting an early start on spring cleaning, both in and outside of the house. While you're cleaning out the closet and de-winterizing your home, don't forget to give your plumbing a little tender loving care.
The following are easy spring cleaning plumbing tips to ensure that you're getting the most out of your plumbing system going into spring, and the rest of the year!
Checking Your Faucets and Pipes
One of the easiest tasks to begin with is checking your faucets for leaks. If your faucet is dripping or leaking at the base, make sure to get it repaired as soon as possible to preserve water and save money on your water bill.
Checking the pipes under your sinks and in the basement for leaks is another crucial task to add to your spring cleaning list. A small leak can turn into a big problem in a flash.
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs can indicate broken pipes as well. If the faucet drips or there are leaks in your home when you turn it on, there’s a good chance one of your pipes is cracked and needs to be repaired.
Maintaining Your Toilet's Efficiency
Start by simply checking the tank and bowl for any cracks or leaks. You may not automatically notice water that gathers around the base of the toilet, especially if the leak is in the tank and the water gathers around the back of the base.
You can also check for hidden leaks in your tank by using a trick with food coloring. Add a few drops of food coloring into your tank and if, after 30-60 minutes, you start to see color in the bowl, you'll know that your tank is leaking.
The last simple check is whether or not your toilet flushes properly. This is something you are probably already aware of - you know if you have to hold down the handle to make the toilet flush or have to force it to quit filling. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to address this issue and make the correct repairs.
Cleaning Your Shower Head
Mineral deposits can build up and create problems in your shower head, especially if you have hard water. The best way to clean these mineral deposits is to soak your shower head in distilled white vinegar. If you have a shower head that unscrews you can take it off and soak it in a bowl or pot of vinegar. If not, fill a resealable plastic bag with your vinegar and soak the shower head by holding the bag in place with a rubber band. After letting it soak for 1-8 hours (depending on mineral levels), remove and scrub the shower head with a small brush, such as an old tooth brush.
