5 Plumbing Tips for Spring
Homeowners have a lot to do around the house to prepare for the warmer, spring weather. Here are a few things to put on the to-do list that involve the plumbing:
1. Pipe Inspection
Frozen, cracked pipes might not be noticeable until they start to leak during warmer weather. Now is the perfect time to check the pipes for cracks and leaks. A good indication that a leak might be present is moldy, damp spots near exposed pipes.
2. Test the Sump Pump
Spring rains can mean flooding in basements. To be ready in the event of a flood, test the sump pump to make sure it is working properly. Pour water into the sump pump. If it turns on, drains the water, and then shuts back off, it is ready to go. However, if it is experiencing problems, call the team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration.
3. Yard Work
Winter can leave debris build up in gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. Clear them out to prevent flooding as much as possible. Make sure downspouts are facing away from the foundation of the house too.
4. Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor plumbing is subjected to more of the harsh winter elements and can be prone to issues. Turn on hose bibs to make sure there are no leaks and check hoses for cracks. Be on the lookout for low water pressure coming from the hose bib, it could signal a broken pipe. Also take a look at the septic tank and call if there are any unusual puddles near it.
5. Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks can be difficult to see, and should be checked for often especially with older toilets. Test for leaks this spring by adding a few drops of food coloring in the water tank. If after a few minutes that colored water can be seen in the bowel, it means there’s a leak.
While preparing the plumbing for spring, call the team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration if any problems arise. They are happy to helping with a large variety of plumbing needs.
Preventative Maintenance for Commercial Plumbing
For a business to run smoothly, everything needs to be working and performing at its peak. This includes the plumbing. Avoid having to call All Star Plumbing and Restoration with a plumbing emergency by taking a few preventative steps.
1. Fix Leaks
Faucets and showerheads that leak water are far from harmless. Leaky fixtures can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, increasing the water bills substantially. Dripping fixtures can also be annoying for customers in hotels or similar commercial buildings, giving the place a bad reputation.
2. Check Toilets
Clogged toilets are a hassle and could cause water damage. Remind patrons of items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet to prevent clogging. If toilets seem to become clogged frequently, there could be a problem deeper down in the plumbing system. All Star Plumbing and Restoration can take a look at it and identify the source of the problem.
3. Appliances
In commercial settings, appliances like refrigerators or washing machines are a big source of water damage. Inspecting these items on a regular basis can catch a problem before it leads to hundreds or thousands of dollars in water damage.
Preventing large plumbing problems can save commercial properties owners a lot of money. All Star Plumbing and Restoration is equipped to handle both residential and commercial plumbing systems. Keep everything running smoothly with the help of their knowledgeable team.
Professional Excavating
Homeowners who find themselves in need of excavation should call on the professionals. The crew at All Star Plumbing and Restoration are highly-skilled and specialized, and have the necessary equipment to get the job done correctly. Here are a few reasons to have the yard professionally excavated instead of attempting to do-it-yourself:
- Reduce Damage
If excavating is not done carefully and properly, it could damage the home’s foundation or plumbing, costing the homeowners a large amount of money. All Star Plumbing and Restoration is knowledgeable about where they can and can’t dig so the home and its plumbing stay safe during the procedure.
- Minimize Erosion and Cave-ins
Excavating at the wrong angle or in the wrong spot can cause the soil to erode or move, causing a cave-in that could potentially lead to injuries. Soil can be temperamental and tricky to work with for someone who isn’t trained. Hiring All Star Plumbing and Restoration can keep homeowners safe and reduce the chance of injuries.
- Save Money
Attempting a DIY plumbing project at home to save money doesn’t always go as planned. In the end, it could end up going awry, causing even more damage that will need to be repaired. It will end up costing the homeowners even more than if they originally called a professional plumber for the job.
Any type of digging can be dangerous, which is why the team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration offers excavation services to homeowners or commercial building owners in the Treasure Valley for any sort of plumbing or sewer system needs. We want to ensure that homeowners stay safe, and that the job gets done in a proper and timely manner. Talk to us about excavation needs and visit our website to learn more.
Strange Items Found in Sewers
Everyone has heard the tale that there are alligators living in the sewers of New York. There’s still a lot of debate and mystery surrounding that one, but here are some other strange things that have been found in sewers around the world:
Fatberg
In London, a 15-ton blob of congealed fat mixed with baby wipes was found in a sewer. It was the size of a double decker bus! Maybe reconsider next time before flushing baby wipes or pouring grease down the drain.
Cow
In Fujian Province, China, a cow was heard mooing from under a manhole. It had been missing for four days before it was found in the sewer.
Fax Machine
Fax machines can be frustrating, but throwing it in the sewer is a little extreme. During a routine check, a fax machine was found in the sewer in Scotland.
Bicycle
Also in Scotland, a pink bike was found down in the sewers. It seems many bikes have found their way in sewer systems around the world.
Hockey Sticks
Someone didn’t have a good game. In Calgary, Canada a pair of hockey sticks were found in the sewer system.
Goldfish
Goldfish are an invasive species, and can apparently survive just about anywhere. In Alberta, Canada there is a whole colony of goldfish thriving and breeding rapidly down in the sewer system.
Hand Grenades
A little more dangerous than a giant ball of fat, hand grenades have also been found in the sewers of London. That would be a scary find!
There’s a lot more than just these strange items that have been found in sewers all around the world. Homeowners who think there’s something blocking their sewer, strange or not, should call All Star Plumbing and Restoration to come take a look. We can fix the issue and get everything moving again like it should.
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