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Avoiding Plumbing Disasters During Spring Cleaning: Plumbing Tips to Follow

February 25, 2025

Spring cleaning is a great time to freshen up your home and tackle areas that often get overlooked. However, don’t forget about your plumbing system. Spring is an excellent opportunity to check your plumbing fixtures, clean your drains, and prevent any plumbing issues that could disrupt your routine. Here are some important plumbing tips to follow during your spring cleaning process.

1. Clean Your Drains

Over time, debris like grease, hair, soap scum, and food particles can accumulate in your drains, leading to clogs and slow drainage. Spring is the perfect time to give your drains a thorough cleaning.

Tip: Use a combination of baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains naturally. This will help break down buildup and eliminate odors. Follow with hot water to flush out debris.

2. Check for Leaks Around Your Home

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to inspect your plumbing fixtures for leaks. Leaks can lead to water waste, increased utility bills, and even mold growth. A small leak that seems insignificant can cause extensive damage if left unchecked.

Tip: Inspect faucets, showerheads, and under-sink plumbing for any signs of leaks. Tighten connections or replace faulty washers if needed.

3. Inspect Your Water Heater

Your water heater works hard throughout the year, and spring cleaning is the perfect time to ensure it’s functioning optimally. Sediment buildup inside the tank can reduce efficiency and cause problems with your hot water supply.

Tip: Flush your water heater to remove sediment and check for any leaks or signs of wear. Setting the thermostat to 120°F is recommended for optimal energy efficiency.

4. Clean Your Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal works hard during the year, especially during cooking-heavy months like spring. Over time, it can accumulate food scraps, grease, and other debris that could cause odors or clogs.

Tip: Clean your garbage disposal with ice cubes and salt to break down debris and sharpen the blades. You can also run a mixture of vinegar and water through the disposal to eliminate odors.

5. Maintain Your Outdoor Plumbing

As the weather warms up, outdoor plumbing systems are used more frequently. Make sure to check outdoor faucets, hoses, and irrigation systems for leaks or damage.

Tip: Inspect garden hoses for cracks, and check outdoor faucets for leaks. Make sure your irrigation system is properly adjusted and not over-watering your plants.

Keep Your Plumbing in Top Shape During Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is about more than just tidying up—it’s an opportunity to take care of your plumbing system, too. By cleaning drains, checking for leaks, and inspecting your water heater, you can prevent plumbing disasters and ensure everything runs smoothly in your home.

Contact Us for Plumbing Maintenance Services

For help with plumbing maintenance or inspections this spring, contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205. Our expert team is ready to keep your plumbing in top condition.