If you’re like many people, the pandemic has you spending more time at home. So why not make the most of it? It’s the perfect occasion to take care of all your home maintenance tasks. Here are a few easy plumbing chores that can prevent major problems down road.
1. Clean your drains Even if your drains aren’t backed up or clogged, a little preventive cleaning can keep things flowing. Use ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then pour a cup of boiling water down to wash everything away. Do this for every drain in your home. If your drains are slow or clogged after this treatment, it may be time to get them professionally cleaned. 2. Clean your traps A trap is the plumbing underneath your sink that’s shaped like an S or U. They are designed to trap water and create an air-tight seal so that sewer gases don’t enter your home. However, as water flows through the pipe, hair, dirt and debris can build up around the bend. To clean the trap, place a bucket underneath it, and with your hands or a wrench, loosen the slip nuts and remove the trap. Clean it out and put it back on. Run some water to make sure everything is flowing with no leaks. 3. Clean your showerhead Over time, minerals and sediment can build up in your showerhead. This can impact your water pressure and distort the direction of the nozzles. Remove your showerhead and find the small filter inside. Clean it out and use an old toothbrush to clean out the nozzles. Let it soak in a solution of vinegar and baking soda if there is a heavy buildup. 4. Look for leaks Fixing a leaky toilet or tap can help you conserve water and save you money on your water bill. Check all your faucets and pipes for drips. If you notice a steep rise in your water bill, it may mean you have a serious leak somewhere on your property. Call a plumber to find the leak and repair it. 5. Maintain and flush your water heater Your water heater should be professionally maintained once or twice a year. A plumber can flush sediment out of the tank and check for corrosion. This increases the lifespan of your water heater and will keep it working efficiently, thereby reducing your natural gas or electric bills. Plumbing help in the Greater Toronto Area Not every plumbing task is one you can do on your own. If it’s time to call a professional, Black Forest Plumbing delivers speedy service, competitive pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today for plumbing services in Newmarket, Aurora and the GTA. Book A Service Appointment