Spring plumbing maintenance
Spring Cleaning? Check These 3 Plumbing Essentials
Spring cleaning usually means cleaning cupboards inside and out, washing windows, polishing floors, shampooing carpets and getting the garden back in shape. But while you’re giving your property a freshen-up, it’s also a good time to check the parts of your home you don’t normally think about.
Small plumbing issues can be easy to overlook until they turn into bigger problems. So, as part of your spring cleaning this year, here are a few simple spring plumbing maintenance checks worth adding to the list.
01Clean your tap aerators
That small fitting on the end of your tap has a job to do. It’s called an aerator, and it mixes air into the water as it comes out of the tap. This creates a smoother, more even flow and can also help reduce water use.
Over time, aerators can collect mineral deposits and debris, which can affect the water flow. Spring is a good time to give them a clean.
To remove an aerator, wrap a cloth around it and carefully unscrew it by hand. If it’s stuck, you can use adjustable pliers over the cloth to help loosen it without scratching the tap. Once removed, rinse away any debris and soak the aerator in white vinegar to help loosen mineral buildup. Give it a good rinse before screwing it back into place.
If the aerator is badly corroded or won’t come off, don’t force it. You may be better off replacing the aerator or having a plumber take a look. If the tap itself is old or showing signs of wear, it could also be a good time to consider replacing it.
02Have a look under your sinks
Once you’ve tackled the cupboards around the house, don’t forget about the ones under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. These spaces can easily become cluttered, which makes it harder to notice small plumbing issues.
Start by emptying everything out. With the cupboard clear, check for dampness, water marks, drips, moisture around pipe connections or any unusual smells. While you’ve got everything out, give the cupboard a quick wipe and freshen the space up.
If you find dampness or a water mark, see if you can work out where it’s coming from. It could be something as simple as a spill or condensation, but if you find an active leak, it’s best to have a plumber check it out.
When you put everything back, try not to pack the cupboard too tightly around the pipes. Leaving a little space makes it easier to spot a leak and gives you better access to the plumbing if it needs attention.
03Check your gully traps
Gully traps are outdoor drainage points that collect wastewater from areas of your home such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. You’ll usually find them at ground level outside, with a grate or covered opening and waste pipes leading into them. They help carry wastewater away from your property while preventing unpleasant sewer gases from coming back through your drains.
After a winter of wind and rain, spring is a good time to check them. Leaves, dirt and other debris can build up around the grate and restrict the flow of water. Clear away any leaves and visible debris and check that water can drain freely.
It’s best to keep your hands out of the gully trap. You never quite know what may be further down there, and there’s no need to get your hands involved when clearing away the visible debris.
If your gully trap is slow to drain, regularly overflowing, backing up or producing persistent unpleasant smells, there could be a larger drainage issue that needs attention. In these cases, it’s best to have a professional plumber take a look.
Before you go
A little spring plumbing maintenance can go a long way
Knowing what’s going on around your property is important. A small leak, slow drain or change in your hot water system can be easy to overlook, but small issues can develop into bigger problems if they’re left unchecked.
Now that you’ve worked through our spring plumbing tips, you might still be wondering whether something you’ve noticed is a problem. Or perhaps you simply don’t have the time or energy to become an expert in plumbing, drainage and gasfitting just to make sure everything is in order.
That’s where a professional can help. A comprehensive check can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening around your property and identify anything that may need attention.
Head into summer with peace of mind, knowing your plumbing, drainage and gasfitting systems have been checked and your property is safe, sound and ready for the warmer months.
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Book a Stately Property Health Check and let our team take a closer look.
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