Spring is the perfect time to perform annual plumbing maintenance on your building’s systems. Getting ahead of plumbing issues before they get worse can save you time and money in the long run and make sure your system is primed to serve you for years to come.
Keep reading to learn how to build a plumbing maintenance checklist and prepare for the rest of the year.
Why You Need Yearly Plumbing Maintenance
Annual plumbing maintenance is essential for your commercial or industrial building. Even when there are no obvious signs of wear with your system, making sure that water and wastewater flows well and are disposed of properly extends the life of your solution. You curb potential problems like excess water pressure and shuddering—plumbing issues that lead to water leaks and burst pipes.
When you create a plumbing maintenance checklist, you cover all the bases. Follow these tips:
Check for Leakage
One of the first things you should do during your spring plumbing maintenance process is to check all water pipes for signs of leakage. Inspect all faucets, toilets, and visible pipes for damage. Check to see that no water escapes around the connection when your faucet is off.
When checking the toilet, look in the toilet bowl and the tank. An easy way to confirm whether you have a leak is to place around six drops of food dye into the tank. Wait for an hour and see if there’s any color in the bowl. If the dye has spread to the bowl, you may have a leak in your system that a professional plumber should address.
Maintain the Water Heater
How old is your equipment? Newer water heaters are designed to be more energy efficient than older models, so it may be time for an upgrade if your solution is older than 15 years. If you’re not ready to invest in a newer model, make sure your water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures energy efficiency and prevents scalding.
Your equipment collects calcium and sediment as it ages. These elements settle at the bottom of the tank and cause plumbing issues like blockage, which makes your heater work harder to heat the same amount of water. Flush your water heater to reduce buildup and prevent loss of water pressure, pipe bursting, and other severe plumbing problems that occur due to a lack of spring plumbing maintenance.
Test the Sump Pump
To see if your sump pump is working correctly, pour five gallons of water into the pit. Activate the system. The sump pump should drain the water and shut down. If the unit doesn’t deactivate after draining, the equipment may have an issue.
Inspect All Water Appliances
Check all appliance water hoses for leaks and bulging. You should replace worn-out hoses or equipment older than ten years. If possible, upgrade to stainless steel material. Stainless steel hoses are less prone to wear and last longer than traditional solutions.
Inspect the following appliances during your spring plumbing maintenance:
- Toilets
- Faucets
- Dishwashers
- Ice makers
- Showers
Pay special attention to any showers in your building. Minerals and calcium cause buildup in your plumbing system, affecting the water pressure. Check the showerhead for hard water deposits and dripping.
Drainage Issues
An unpleasant odor is a telltale sign of a drainage plumbing issue. If you notice a smell from the drain, pour hot water or a drain cleaner solution to dissolve the blockage. Afterward, test the drain again. If the water is still draining slowly, the issue is likely deep-set and requires the attention of a professional plumbing service. Never pour too much drain cleaner into your plumbing. The solution is highly corrosive and could lead to even more issues.
A&G Piping Provides Excellent Spring Plumbing Maintenance Services
Building and implementing an actionable spring plumbing maintenance plan is challenging when you’re a business manager or property owner with other responsibilities. Regardless, addressing plumbing problems before they get out of hand ensures your building’s safety, comfort, and longevity. It’s essential to provide all the protection you can.
A&G’s team of plumbing professionals are prepared to support you with the spring plumbing maintenance services you need. We have extensive experience working in both the industrial and commercial industries. Our team uses advanced techniques and technologies to deliver expert plumbing solutions. From drain cleaning and jetting to restroom remodeling, we know how to reduce wear and tear in your system and ensure a comfortable environment for your building occupants.
Ready to take advantage of A&G Piping’s 40 years of plumbing expertise? Reach out today.
