As we bid farewell to the challenges of a harsh winter, with its cold temperatures and snowy days, it’s time to turn our attention to spring—a season of renewal and rejuvenation. For homeowners throughout Harford County and Baltimore County, this means addressing the silent toll that winter may have taken on your plumbing systems. Here at Five Star Plumbing, a plumber in Bel Air, Maryland, we have compiled our list of Spring Plumbing Tips for Bel Air Homeowners that everyone should take advantage of to ensure your home’s plumbing is efficient, safe, and leak-free.
11 Spring Plumbing Tips for Bel Air Homeowners
Uncover Hidden Leaks in Toilets
A simple, yet effective, way to detect toilet leaks is by adding six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, it indicates a leak that needs addressing. This easy test can save water and reduce your utility bills.
Inspect and Repair
Take a close look at your toilet tank and bowl, as well as all faucets, for any signs of cracks or leaks. Minor drips or leaks can lead to significant water wastage over time. Making timely repairs is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective.
Ensure Efficient Flushing
A toilet that requires the handle to be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running may have worn-out tank parts. Replacing these parts is inexpensive and can lead to noticeable savings on your water bill.
Test Your Sump Pump
Spring rains can be heavy, making a functioning sump pump crucial to preventing basement flooding. Test your sump pump by pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pit. It should quickly activate, discharge the water, and then shut off without issues.
Consider Water Heater Health
An aging water heater can be a source of inefficiency and higher energy costs. If your water heater is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Additionally, setting your water heater to no higher than 120°F can prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
Perform Water Heater Maintenance
Draining several gallons from your water heater tank to flush out sediment can enhance heating efficiency and extend the heater’s lifespan. Be sure to consult your water heater’s manual for specific instructions related to your model.
Check Appliance Hoses
Inspect hoses to your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker for any signs of wear or leaks. Replacing old or damaged hoses with stainless steel ones can prevent bursts and avoid water damage.
Clean Gutters and Drains
Ensure that yard drains, gutters, and downspouts are free of debris to prevent water accumulation and potential damage to your home’s foundation and structure.
Inspect Plumbing Vent Pipes
Birds and other small animals may use your vent pipes to build nests, leading to clogs. An inspection can prevent slow draining fixtures and other plumbing issues.
Prepare Outdoor Faucets
Before using your hose, check for any damage and ensure that it is properly disconnected after each use to avoid frozen pipes. Also, inspect the grout in tiles and seals around bathtubs and sinks for any cracks that need sealing.
Monitor Water Usage
A simple way to check for hidden leaks is by taking a water meter reading before and after a period of no water use in your home. A change in the meter reading could indicate a leak.
Need a Plumber? Call Five Star Plumbing To Schedule Service Today!
Five Star Plumbing Services is locally owned and operated, and we’ve been in business since 1991. Why does that matter? Because it means owner and master plumber Chris Larichiuta and his team are local plumbers in Harford County and Baltimore County homeowners and business owners trust to get the job done right, at affordable pricing. You don’t stay in business as a plumber that long if you don’t know what you’re doing, or you charge exorbitant prices.
It also means when you call the plumber, he answers the phone, or his number one employee does. You don’t get that kind of personal attention from the big franchise companies. We’ll ask you pertinent questions to determine what the job entails. That’s what you want from a plumber. Responsiveness, honesty, and integrity. Our technician will provide you with a flat rate fee up front so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. We’ll explain what we plan to do and why we plan to do it, so you know exactly what’s going on.
And we’re available to help you 7 days a week, with no overtime charges.
Areas We Serve:
Below are just a few of the places that we offer backflow testing services in Harford and Baltimore County. For any questions regarding our services please contact the office!
Aberdeen, Abingdon, Arbutus, Bel Air, Bowleys Quarters, Churchville, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Essex, Fallston, Forest Hill, Havre De Grace, Jarrettsville, Joppa Kingsville, Lutherville, Middle River, Overlea, Parkville, Perry Hall, Perryman, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Rosedale, Timonium, Towson, White Hall, and White Marsh.