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Seasonal Maintenance

Drainage & Plumbing Seasonal Maintenance

The best way to ensure your plumbing system is working property is to schedule annual inspections with a professional. In addition to annual inspections there are a few things you can do that will save you money and effort in the long run. We have summarized some key tasks that most people can do themselves – but if you’re not comfortable, SWR Drain Service Ltd. is ready to help with any of your plumbing repair and maintenance needs.

Spring Plumbing Maintenance

With some proactive maintenance, you will probably save yourself a good amount time and money so you can enjoy your home free from plumbing or sewer issues for the months ahead.

Inside Spring Plumbing Maintenance:

  • Check faucets in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms as well as all your toilets for signs of drips and leaks and make the appropriate repairs. Don’t forget to check pipes in your basement. Repairing leaks helps to conserve water.
  • Make sure all the drains in your house have strainers to avoid clogged drains. If a kitchen sink line is blocked it is quite common that to find grease and/or fatty substances causing the problem.
  • Take a good look at your toilet tanks and bowls for leaks or even cracks. Easy trick is to add food coloring to the water in the toilet. You will know if you have a leak if you see color in the toilet bowl.
  • Move your water supply valves under sinks and toilets back and forth a few times to keep them from seizing up.
  • If your toilet continually runs water, it likely has worn out parts. Replacing them is easy and inexpensive. Another great way to conserve water.
  • If you have appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine that are older than 10 years, replace the hoses if you see leaks or signs of weakness. Replace with stainless steel houses if possible – they are more reliable. Replacing hoses every 3 or 4 years is recommended.
  • Check your water meter to see if you have a water leak.

Outside Spring Plumbing Maintenance:

  • If you can see the plumbing vent pipes, make sure they are not blocked
  • Check the condition of your gutters, downspouts and make sure they are in good shape and cleaned out.
  • Check all of your outside faucets. If you find that there is a drip from the outside faucet or you suddenly find yourself with a leak inside the home (after you turn on the outside faucet) may have a pipe that has cracked during the winter – and that will need to be found and replaced.

Summer Plumbing Maintenance

The time of year when people start looking to buy or sell a home. If you’re in the housing market, you should consider a plumbing inspection from SWR Drain Service.

Most people get a home inspected but a plumbing inspection is not often considered. It should be when you consider 44% of consumers call a plumber within one year of purchasing a home. SWR Drain Service Ltd. can inspect the condition of your plumbing and sewers before you buy – possibly saving you a lot of problems and money in the the future.

Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips to help you enjoy the summer months with piece of mind.

Inside Summer Plumbing Maintenance:

Check the walls and floors of your bathroom. If you feel any weakness or softness, it may be due to a damage from a water leak.

  • Check faucets in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms for signs of drips and leaks and make repairs. Don’t forget to check pipes in your basement. Repairing leaks helps to conserve water.
  • If you have a garburator or dishwasher, check the connections to make sure there are not leaks.
  • Check your water heater for age. If you’re not sure, just check the serial number and note the first 4 numbers that represent the month and year. If it is older than 15 years, consider having it replaced. A new water heater will save energy and money. If the water heater is rusty – it isn’t a good sign. Call SWR Drain Service for advice.

Outside Summer Plumbing Maintenance:

  • Check your yard for water that doesn’t drain away. Standing water may mean a leaky or broken pipe and should be repaired. It is a health hazard for children and pets and attracts bugs.
  • Have the sewer inspected. If you’re buying a home consider having a video inspection of the sewage line. A small cost up front for this service could save you a lot of money in the future. SWR Drain Service provide video inspection services.
  • Sewer line damage. Spring and summer is when tree roots grow. Roots can grow into small cracks in pipes creating expansion and leaks. SWR Drain Service can inspect and repair damage created by roots. Tree roots grow during the spring and summer. They seem to be attracted to sewer lines for nourishment. We have the means to inspect and clear your lines from roots that have managed to find a way into your system.

Fall Plumbing Maintenance

As the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, it is time to prepare for the winter months. Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips to help you get read:

Inside Fall Plumbing Maintenance:

  • Hot Water Heater – As the days and evenings get colder, your hot water heater is used more. Make sure it is in good shape by flushing out sediment that can cause rust and reduces efficiency. To be sure this is done according correctly, we recommend viewing the manufacturers website or call SWR Drain Service for advice.
  • Hot Water Heater – Check the temperature – for the best performance it should be set around 50°C

Outside Fall Plumbing Maintenance:

  • Remove outside water hoses from faucets.
  • Check your faucets for any drips or leaks. It is recommended to call SWR Drain Service to make any repairs before the winter comes.
  • Cover outside faucets with a faucet installation kit that you will be able to find at many home centers.
  • Check your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are clear should water freeze then thaw during the
    Extended Leave:

    • If you leave your home for extended periods of time during the Fall or Winter months, we recommend that you shut off your main water valve and drain the water system in your house. This is done by opening the faucets at the highest to the lowest parts of your house (in that order). Leave the heat on at around 15°C .
    • If you have a vacation home that needs to be winterize, many more steps are required and professional help is recommended. Call SWR Drain Service for the best advice.

Winter Plumbing Maintenance

Inside Winter Plumbing Maintenance:

  • To check to see if you have a frozen pipe, water your water pressure. The first sign of a problem is lower water flow. If this happens, for fast service call SWR Drain Service as soon as you can. Turn off the main water line to prevent flooding.
  • Keep your home heated at least at 15°C to ensure water travels around your home easily.

Outside Winter Plumbing Maintenance:

  • Cover outside faucets with a faucet installation kit that you will be able to find at many home centers.
  • Remove snow that may be restricting water drainage.

If you take charge of maintaining your home throughout the year – you can save yourself a lot of headaches and expenses in the future.

Call SWR Drain Service Ltd. if you require professional help with plumbing maintenance.

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