We sure hope you’ve been enjoying your springtime around central Indiana.  After such a wild winter, it is hard to believe that the weather continues to warm. How is your spring cleaning checklist coming along? If you’re like many homeowners, plumbing projects might not be high on that list.  Mister Quik wants to remind you that now is the perfect time to inspect your home’s plumbing system for minor problems, and fix them before they become major issues. So here are 10 tips to get you started with this plumbing checklist.

1. Check all of your faucets for leaks. This includes sinks, showers and bathtubs. Even small leaks can waste lots of water over time, and that means higher utility bills, too.
2. Don’t forget to check pipes. Open up cabinets under sinks and look for signs of water leaks. This may include dry stains inside cabinet flooring and walls. Go downstairs to your basement and examine the pipes there, too.
3. Lower your water heater temperature. While you’re in the basement, make sure that the temperature on your device is 120 degrees or lower. Your water will still be hot, and you’ll have less costly utility bills to look forward to.
4. Flush & fill your water heater. Sediment builds up in these systems over time. To extend your water heater’s lifespan, have it professionally flushed & refilled every spring.
5. Inspect toilets. You want to look for leaks, cracks, worn components and sediment build-up. This may require getting down on your hands and knees to check the back and bottom of the commode. A simple trick to test a running toilet is to place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water in your bowl turns color, then you have a leak.
6. Take a closer look at your garbage disposal. If it’s not doing a great job grinding through leftovers, or if you notice foul smells coming from the drain, you should consider replacing the disposal and cleaning out the kitchen pipes.
7. Test your home’s sump pump to make sure it works properly. Sump pumps are vital to protecting basements from flooding and water damage, and should be checked regularly.
8. Install a flood alarm. If you don’t have a sump pump, or want extra security against rising water, flood alarms can alert homeowners in a number of ways, including audible warnings and text messages.
9. Figure out the age of your water heater. If it’s 10 years or older, it is probably time to start planning for a replacement. Constant repairs to ailing systems often are more expensive than buying a new system.
10. Inspect your home’s exterior. Pick a nice day (it’s spring, after all!) and check your gutters and downspouts for clogs, damages, or other problems. Test outdoor faucets, and remove any build-up and debris.

Don’t have the time, skills, or patience to tackle many of these tips alone? Then call Mister Quik! Remember, all of our professional plumbers are expertly trained, experienced, and all are properly licensed & insured. Mister Quik offers a variety of helpful plumbing products and services. Check out the rest of our website for more info, and contact us today to schedule a no-obligation in-home estimate. Thanks for reading!