Getting Ready for Spring

WATER LOSS PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE:

PLUMBING PIPES AND SUPPLY LINES

• Visually inspect plumbing pipes annually. Look for condensation around the pipes or an obvious leak and corrosion.
• Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak.
• Call a plumber at the first signs of rust-colored water, backed-up toilets or sinks, and cracked or warped flooring.
• Insulate pipes in attics, basements, and exposed exterior pipes to avoid freezing.
• During periods of freezing weather, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air.
• Disconnect garden hoses when freeze warnings are issued and turn off outside faucets.
• Inspect plumbing beneath sinks every six months.
• Ensure connections are secure and there is no evidence of corrosion on the pipes.
• Look for kinks in copper or plastic pipes. These could lead to pinhole leaks over time.
• Locate the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off. Replace the valve if needed.

ICEMAKERS

• When installing the icemaker supply line hose, tightly connect the hose to the valve. Avoid over-tightening.
• Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks.
• Inspect the hose every six months. If kinks are present, replace the hose.
• Leave a 3 to 4 in. space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping.
• When pulling the refrigerator out for cleaning or service, avoid getting the hose caught beneath the wheel.
• Locate the water shut-off valve.
• Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off. Replace the valve if needed.

ROOF

• Have a professional roof inspection annually.
• Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets, and drainage system.
• Repairs are needed if:
  • There are cracked or missing shingles or loose or missing granules.
  • Flashing has deteriorated, particularly around chimneys and vents.
  • Pooling water is present.
• In areas prone to freezing and heavy snow fall, insulate to prevent heat from entering the attic space.
• In areas prone to wind and hail, consider an impact-resistant roof covering that has passed the FM 4473 or UL 2218 standard.

SHOWERS

• Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles and cracked or crumbling grout lines. Repair as needed.
• Test the shower pan annually:
  • Block the floor drain.
  • Fill the shower stall with approximately 1 in. of water.
  • Use a pencil to mark the water line.
  • Leave the water standing in the shower pan for eight hours.
  • If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional.

SUMP PUMPS

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sump pump maintenance. These vary from running the sump pump every two to three months to a yearly cleaning before the rainy season.
• To inspect the sump pump:
  • Open the lid and remove debris that may be blocking the water inlet screen.
  • Pour approximately five gallons of water into the pump and watch the float valve rise.
  • As the float valve rises, the pump should turn on and the water should discharge through the outlet pipe.
  • Go outside and inspect the outlet pipe.
  • Water should be flowing from the pipe and away from the home.
  • If the sump pump fails to operate during this inspection, contact a plumbing professional.
• Install a battery backup system.
• Choose a system with a battery replacement warning.
• Replace batteries every two to three years.

 TOILETS

• After flushing, remain in or near the bathroom until the fill valve has finished refilling the bowl.
• If the bowl or tank begins to overflow, turn off the water at the supply valve.
• Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every six months.
• The fill valve should shut off when the float reaches the proper water level.
• Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet is not in use.
• Inspect the supply line every six months.
• Ensure the connection to the valve is secure.
• Operate the valve to make sure the water supply will shut off. Replace if needed.

WASHING MACHINES

• Turn supply valves off when not in use.
• Consider installing a lever-type valve that is easy to operate between uses.
• Do not operate the washing machine while the home is unoccupied.
• Leave a 3 to 4 in. gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.
• Inspect the water supply line hoses every six months.
• Ensure that the connection to the valve is secure, but avoid over-tightening. Hand tighten first. Then tighten an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers.
• Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection.
• Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years.
• Consider reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.

WATER HEATERS

• Have a professional plumbing inspection of the anode rod at least once every two years and annually once the warranty has expired. The rod will eventually corrode and leave the tank vulnerable to damage.
• Remove sediment by flushing the tank every six months. Sediment will build up faster in areas with hard water.