Congratulations, you made it through Winter!!
With the colder months behind us, things are looking up; longer days, warmer weather, more time outside, summer clothes… The list goes on!
However when it comes to plumbing, spring is just another opportunity for new issues to arise!
See our recommended checklist to ensure your pipes, drains and all plumbing is in top form!
Check exposed pipes for any signs of leakage
In Winter we are made to stay cautious of our pipes freezing and bursting. Once Spring comes in with the warmer weather, you are often able to see more clearly if a problem is present. It’s important to check for leaks around outdoor faucets, water lines and water hoses.
Some key indicators that your pipes aren’t functioning as efficiently as they should be are:
- Overly high water bills even when there has been no changes to water consumption
- Unpleasant odours caused by moisture being unable to dry
- Been able to visually see excessive moisture such as water around the toilet.
Water Meter Check
This simple little check will give you a good indication as to whether you have a water leak present.
Follow the steps below:
- Locate your water meter
- Before you go to bed, record the number on your water meter
- When you first get up in the morning record the number present.
Now, if the two numbers you record are extremely different, you could potentially have a water leak. If they are either the same or slightly different, this is a good indication you are leak free!
Water Heater Check
In Winter, its quiet common for our water heaters to work overtime to keep up with demand. Now is a good time to check on the overworked unit, to make sure it is still as strong and efficient as it was previously. See our Blog Post 5 Signs it it time to replace your hot water unit.
Gutter Clean
I know we harp on about this in autumn, but just because there are no leaves on the tree’s during winter, doesn’t mean there is no debris in your gutters! It’s important for your gutters to be clean and clear all year round, which is why we recommend routine cleans, whether you do them yourself or engage a plumber.
See our Tips for Keeping your Gutters Clean and also your Step by Step Gutter Cleaning Guide.
Check Taps and Shower Head for Leaks
Now is a good time to check on your taps and showers for any leaks. Although a tap or shower leak is small, every drop counts and is just adding towards your water bill! What better time than spring to check on these and tighten any valves that are causing that annoying dripping! Have a leaky tap but not too sure what to do? Give us a call!
Attend to Infrequently used Drains
We all have some sinks that don’t get used very regularly (e.g a guest bedroom ensuite). It’s important to keep these pipes moist, because if the P-trap in your pipe gets dry, a bad odour can enter into your home. The simplest way to prevent this odour from occurring is to run the tap for a couple of minutes to re-accumulate that water in the pipe. This should prevent the nasty smell from revealing itself.
Want to know more on Smelly Drains; their cause and solution? Read more HERE
