The plumbing in your home is not something most people spend much time thinking about. But the fact is, if you have a problem with your plumbing, it can make your life difficult. Leaks can ruin walls and floors, broken fixtures that need to be replaced quickly are expensive, and water heaters that stop working properly can make your life miserable. It is a good idea to inspect and upgrade your plumbing according to your schedule, and for many people, spring is the season to do it. Winter’s ravages can be hard on your pipes.
Here are five recommended projects to make sure your plumbing works the way it should:
Flush Your Water Heater
Generally, a water heater will last eight to 12 years, but a well-maintained water heater can last much longer. Once a year, your water heater should be flushed out to get rid of particles that can undermine its performance. You may even consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. Instead of keeping a tank full of water warm, the tankless heater heats the water on demand. They are energy efficient, too.
Inspect Your Pipes
We have had weather below freezing temperatures the past few winters, and that can mean you could have cracked pipes. Stains on your walls can be an indication of cracks. Replacing pipes with small leaks can save you money.
Check Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor pipes and fixtures are the most vulnerable to cold weather and need to be inspected carefully in the spring and for this get some helpful expert tips. Remove any hoses connected to the outdoor pipes and turn on the faucet. Watch for leaks. If you have a broken pipe, the water pressure may be low.
Upgrade Your Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are used dozens of times a day in most homes, and most people are not concerned about them. But older fixtures can develop problems that are difficult to see or detect, like cracking and rotting internally. If you have fixtures that date back to when the house was built, particularly in the kitchen, consider replacing them. One of the primary benefits of upgrading plumbing fixtures is that they give your house a new look while also working more efficiently.
Test Your Sump Pump
This project is hardly glamorous, but it is essential. A sump pump drains the water under the house, and if it is broken, you can get flooding that is devastating to your home. Since the rainy season in Austin is April to May, spring is the time to make sure your sump pump works. Test the pump by pouring water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on automatically, drain all the water, and shut off.
Some people lack the confidence to undertake projects such as these. If you would like our assistance with any of these or other plumbing projects, call Plumbing Outfitters today, and we will send an experienced plumber to your home.