Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to check your home from top to bottom — both to clean things up and to make sure everything is in working condition. And while “Spring Cleaning” may first bring to mind the idea of decluttering and scrubbing down the areas you live in directly, it’s also important to think about cleaning the areas you don’t see. That includes all the pipes, faucets, valves and drainage systems that make up your house’s plumbing, which can easily break down with wear or build up debris with repeated use (and make more of a mess if not taken care of in good time). To help you save valuable effort and money this spring on plumbing in Bucks County, PA, here are four easy “DIY” plumbing tips to keep your system up and running.

1. Check your faucets for leaks: A drip may not seem like a big deal, but the amount of money you waste from letting it continue adds up quicker than you think. Stop a dripping sink by checking and repairing the handles as needed; replacing the seat washers is often all that’s required to get rid of that pesky leak.

2. Make sure your toilet isn’t leaking: Do you know the food coloring trick? To check your for leaks, put six drops of food coloring in your toilet’s tank, then wait 30 seconds. If the water changes color, you’ve got a leak on your hands, and should contact a professional to handle the problem.

3. Make sure your water heater isn’t turned up too high: If your water heater is turned up any higher than 120°F, you’re just wasting energy — and likewise, money. Consider turning the temperature down to 110°F to save a significant amount on your bill each month, prevent burns and eliminate the risk of pressure issues inside the tank.

4. Give the water supply valves under your sinks and toilets a workout: If you don’t move the water supply valves under your sinks and toilets every once in a while, they can get stuck when you really need them. Avoid all that by giving them a twist back and forth for spring cleaning, making sure they still work.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for living areas anymore — the areas of your house that you can’t see, like pipes and faucets, require just as much TLC. When it comes to plumbing in Bucks County, PA, have McHales on speed dial if you want quick access to high-quality and efficient service that will ensure your family never loses access to crucial services.

By McHales