As winter turns to spring, chances are you’re ready to tackle your seasonal to-do list, filled with tasks for spring cleaning and home care. But be sure not to overlook one of the most essential systems in your home: your plumbing system! Despite North Central Florida’s moderate winter temperatures, residential properties throughout the region have likely undergone significant changes during the previous season. Ensuring you spend the time required to care for your home and prepare it for the next seasonal change can help you gain peace of mind and save on time and costs in the long run.
Here, our Gainesville plumber at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. offers five quick tips for preparing your home for spring. Contact us today for top-tier residential plumbing in Gainesville, FL, and schedule an appointment!
Inspect The Water Heater
As cold weather transitions to warmth, you’ll want to give your water heater a check-up. Our water heaters are critical to our access to and enjoyment of hot and warm water in our homes, yet we may seldom think of them when they are working as though they should. Did you know that you should have your water heater flushed out once every year in order to keep it functioning at peak condition? Yearly flushes for your water heater can maintain the longevity of this essential appliance and keep it functioning properly. When was the last time your water heater was flushed or received professional water heater repairs? Contact our certified plumbers today to schedule water heater services today.
Clear Out Gutters & Downspouts
If you have trees and foliage on your property, chances are that a significant amount of leaf litter, twigs, and other fallen debris from the fall and winter seasons are now housed in your gutters and downspouts. During your routine spring cleaning, take some time out to remove any debris blocking water flow in your gutters and downspouts. As you clean out the gutters, inspect them for damage, like cracks or sagging. You should also take note of any downspouts on your property that are 10 feet or less away from your home’s foundation.
Look Out For Plumbing Leaks
One critical spring preparation tip everyone should follow while preparing for the changing seasons is to inspect your home for plumbing leaks. Leaks can be hard to find, especially if they are out of sight, such as a leak from a burst pipe in your home’s crawlspace or attic or if they occur under the sink or another hidden space. Inspect all of the appliances and fixtures in your home to ensure nothing leaks. Check the dishwasher and washing machine to ensure the water line connects to them and they are working properly. If any leaks are present, homeowners should consult experienced plumbing companies to schedule prompt repairs.
Check The Water Pressure
It may surprise you to know that your water pressure and any leaks from your plumbing system are closely related. If you have low water pressure, your property may have a leaking pipe or ruptured water main. You can ensure that the water pressure is at its peak by avoiding high water usage during peak neighborhood usage. Even if you avoid using water during periods of high neighborhood water usage, you can still experience low water pressure, which might indicate a more significant problem. It could be as simple as a clogged shower drain, or it could be as complex as several pipe clogs or leaky, corroded pipes.
Install A Water Softener
Homes throughout North Central Florida that receive water from a municipal water supplier or the city receive high-quality, professionally treated water. In addition to the manual filtration the water receives, the natural water reserves in much of Florida come from our natural aquifer. Yet, in many households, there can be hard water. Hard water can have harsh minerals that can make water taste off, such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride. By installing a professional water softener in your home, the mechanism will filter out excess calcium and ions, softening the water and increasing its quality. Installing a water softener can save you money by reducing the amount of detergent needed to wash dishes and clothing, help you maintain homewares, eliminate hard water stains and calcium build-up, and even improve how your skin and hair looks and feels.