Now that winter is over, it is time to look forward to spring. For all the good that comes from spring, there is also some bad. In particular, Boynton Beach homeowners usually find their water bill is significantly higher when the temperature increases. However, ballooning water bills are not the sole spring plumbing worry for Boynton Beach residents. Leaks, clogged drains, water damage, pipe damage, and an array of other challenges can arise after winter’s end.
Follow these tips and you will have done your part to enjoy a seamless transition to spring in the context of Boynton Beach home plumbing.
1. Check the Water Heater
Most Boynton Beach residents turn up the temperature on their water heater when the weather worsens in the winter. Industry experts agree home water heaters should be set around 120 degrees. If you turn up your water heater beyond the recommended setting, it will cause scalding. Increasing the temperature to this level can also reduce the water heater’s service life.
Spring is the perfect time to turn down your water heater’s temperature. When you reduce the temperature, take a close look for indications of leaks or corrosion. Examine the control panel for soot, rust, and puddling. If there signs of such problems, reach out to our Boynton Beach plumbers for assistance. Keep in mind your home water heater is only likely to last about a decade.
It is also important to note sediment might accumulate at the bottom of the water heater. If sediment collects, it will decrease the water heater’s efficiency. Ideally, you will drain the water heater once each spring with the overarching aim of extending its life. Though draining a water heater will take some time, it has the potential to save you plenty of money in the long run. When in doubt, ask for assistance from our local plumbers in Boynton Beach. We know the ins and outs of plumbing systems, hot water heaters, and beyond.
2. Test Your Boynton Beach Home’s Toilets
Springtime is the perfect opportunity to test your home’s toilets for leaks. Testing a toilet for leaks is easier than most think. In fact, your kids can help you perform this test as it is somewhat interesting and fun. Let your kids choose their favorite food coloring, put a few drops in the toilet tank, and observe the reaction. If the toilet bowl water turns the color of the dye added to the tank in half an hour’s time, it is an indication that the toilet has a leak. Be sure to replace the faulty toilet tank parts as soon as possible to conserve money and water. A word to the wise: do not use red food coloring to check for toilet leaks. Red food coloring is likely to stain the toilet.
3. Check the Sump Pump
Now that winter is over, it is the ideal time to check the sump pump. If heavy rain arrives, your basement must be ready to withstand the rush of water. Here’s how to check whether your Boynton Beach home is ready for the rain: fill a bucket with water and dump it in the pit in order to trigger the switch. If there is any debris, leaves, or any other gunk in the line, clean it out. Some insist vinegar mixtures applied to the sump pump can combat mildew and mold that accumulated throughout the winter.
4. Take a Look at the Pipes
With winter gone, you should check the pipes in the basement, beneath sinks, and outside. If these pipes have cracks or any damage from the winter, now is the time to have them repaired. Our local plumbers in Boynton Beach are here to help with your compromised pipes and other plumbing challenges.
Conclusion
With Spring making its way into Boynton Beach, homeowners will do well to prep their plumbing systems accordingly. While enjoying the new season, the last thing you want to do is worry about plumbing repairs. Use the above tips to ensure that your plumbing system is ready for this transition and that your water bill doesn’t inflate as you make the most of the Spring weather.
Contact Our Boynton Beach Plumbers Today
The moral of this story is that the worst thing you can do after the long winter is to ignore your home’s plumbing system. If the pipes in your basement are damaged or leaking and you are unaware of the problem, you might end up with thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in damage to your Boynton Beach home. Our local plumbers are here to help you avoid this outcome. Give us a call at (561) 782-2779 to speak with one of our plumbing specialists in Boynton Beach.
