Summer Plumbing Checklist

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It is officially Summer!  That means there are a few things you ought to check off of your home plumbing maintenance plan to prepare for the warm weather.  By performing this routine checklist when the warmer weather arrives each year, you can save on water and repair costs, and extend the life expectancy of each of your plumbing related appliances.  Take a look at the guide below to get your home ready!

Drain Hot Water Heater

Water heaters are a vital piece of plumbing in your household as they control the temperature of the water running through your faucets and showers. By simply routinely inspecting and maintaining, you can prolong the lifetime of your water heater. By draining your hot water heater once a year, you are removing all of the dirt and other sediment that has settled on the bottom of your hot water tank.  For a step by step guide on how to drain and maintain your hot water heater, check out our How to Inspect and Maintain You Water Heater.

Check for Leaks

All plumbing is unfortunately subject to the occasional leak due to natural wear and tear.  Visually inspect all of your plumbing pipes.  Check your faucets, shower, underneath sinks, and exposed basement pipes.  You should also inspect appliances, such as a dishwasher and washing machine, to be sure there are no water leaking behind them or under them.  By catching a leak early, you can save the plumbing from breaking down further.  By making minor repairs as needed, you will save on the cost of having to make larger repairs all at once. 

Plumbing Vent Pipes Inspection

Plumbing vent pipes are located on your roof.  The vents’ job is to release the sewer gasses from your sewage system into the outside air instead of your home. If the gas becomes trapped in the vent, waste will not be able to flow and your toilet will be unable to flush properly. We recommend making sure the plumbing vent cover is secure in order to keep debris, such as leaves and twigs from the trees above, from getting inside the vent, which could create a blockage.  

Sump Pump Inspection

Your sump pump is a pump used to remove water out of a water collection basin, usually located in your basement.   Rainstorms can create flooding basements, and your sump pump is what is going to protect your home from accumulating standing water in your basement.  To test your sump pump, put water into the pump collection basin.  If it drains out, your pump is in working order.  If is does not drain, be sure that the pump electric cord is properly plugged in.  

Well Pump Maintenance

Your well pump is the device that is used to pull water from the ground into your home for use.  When you inspect your well pump to make sure it is in proper working order, you are preventing any delay in receiving and being able to use your water. If your water has fluctuating pressure or your faucets are spitting, your well pump may not be supplying enough water to your pressure tank.  Other indications your well pump may not be in proper working order include your pipes making strange noises when running water, scalding shower water and suddenly high electric bills.

As always, if you are unsure about how to maintenance any of your home plumbing systems, or are in need a repair, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact Faulstick at 570-992-0447 to schedule an appointment for one of our trusted servicemen to lend you a hand.  

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