5 Plumbing Updates to Make This Spring

Whether it’s been lingering cleaning tasks or major home renovations, spring is the perfect time of year to cross some much needed home improvements off your to do list. When considering what parts of your home need a little TLC season, be sure you’re not forgetting about your plumbing! Making even small changes in your kitchen and bathroom plumbing can help improve your home’s comfort and help to reduce the potential for problems later on. Here are some things you don’t want to forget:

Do Some Deep Cleaning

We all know that bathrooms require regular cleaning to keep everything in tip top shape but it’s important not to forget that your faucets need more attention every once in a while to keep things running smoothly. Depending on your home’s water, your showerhead can get blocked with mineral deposits over time that prevent it from spraying evenly and at its full capacity. For a quick fix, you can use a simple solution of water and vinegar to help clear some of the blockage. Try diluting vinegar with water in a plastic bag and securing it around your showerhead with a rubber band. Leave it on for 1-2 hours then remove the bag, rinse the vinegar off and wipe it with a soft cloth.

Fix Your Faucets

Leaky taps can easily slip to the back of your mind of things to fix. Even if you’ve gotten used to the annoying drip of a leak in your faucet, the problem may be worse than you think. Even a slow leak at one drip per minute can waste almost 3 litres of water every week – that’s water waste that you and your family are paying for! Be sure that calling a licensed plumber to have it fixed quickly is at the top of your to-do list this season.

Reseal Around Your Shower and Tub

The silicone seal around your shower and tub is important to help protect your bathroom from damages caused by moisture. Over time, the seal can start to wear away or separate from the surfaces leaving you at risk for developing mold in and around your plumbing fixtures.

Once you start to see your seal separating, or at the first sight of mold, it’s time to be replaced. You can pick up caulking at your local hardware store to replace the seal yourself. Always be sure to look for caulking that’s designed for kitchen and bath with mold and mildew prevention.

Before you apply the new caulking, the existing seal will need to be completely removed and scraped clear. For best results, always be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s recommended application.

Update Your Toilet

Updating your plumbing fixtures can not only improve the look of your bathroom, but also help to reduce your family’s water consumption. Upgrading to a low-flow toilet can help to spruce up your bathroom and potentially save you money on your water bill.

When choosing the right toilet for your home, you should also consider the different comfort options available. Comfort height toilets are designed to be between two and four inches higher than traditional toilets, reducing the distance needed to bend to reach the seat. Always be sure to contact a licensed plumber to have your new fixtures professionally installed.

Clear Your Clogs

Have you been noticing water pooling at your feet when you shower? Or have you had to get used to a slow draining sink? In your bathroom, hair is a common culprit for blocking your drain. Often time these issues can be cleared by removing any hair that’s wrapped around your sink’s strainer. If the problem persists, it may be time to have a licensed plumber come in and professionally clear those stubborn drains.