Revitalizing Your Plumbing for the Warmer Months

Is the cold winter weather starts to make room for the warmer days of spring and summer, many homeowners turn their attention to their spring cleaning lists. This typically includes tasks for often-overlooked areas of the home, but does your list include anything about your plumbing system? Taking care of your plumbing system is an essential step of home maintenance, so our plumbing experts at American Vintage Home have put together this guide of plumbing tasks to ensure your system is ready for the warmer months ahead.

Clean Your Drains

Clogged and backed-up drains are a nuisance for any homeowner, so taking preventative measures can help you avoid this problem. To ensure your drains are in good shape, start by kitchen drains with hot water and baking soda to break down grease and odors. Now is also a good time to remove hair from shower and bathtub drains. You can DIY this project with a drain snake.

You should also inspect all your drains for any signs of blockages or slow drainage. If you notice this, try using a plunger or a drain snake to dislodge the clogs. If these methods don’t work and stubborn clogs persist, you can call on our plumbers at American Vintage Home. We provide professional drain clearing services using safe and effective methods, such as hydro jetting. With our team on the job, you won’t have to deal with any more pesky drain clogs.

Install & Inspect Your Water Softener

According to the United States Geological Survey, the North Shore area of Chicago is home to some of the hardest water in the country, with an average calcium carbonate level of 181 to 250 milligrams per liter. Hard water can wreak havoc on your pipes, plumbing fixtures, dishes, and on your hair and skin. To ensure your home is protected and your drinking water is clean, consider having our team install a water softener.

If you already have a water softening system, it’s time to check the salt levels in your water softener and refill it as needed. If you are comfortable doing so, you should also clean the brine tank and remove any sediment or buildup that may affect the performance of the softener. If you would prefer, you can call on our team for water softener maintenance.

Clean & Test Your Sump Pump

The warmer weather also brings increased rainfall, making a sump pump a necessary part of your plumbing system. Your sump pump protects your home from flooding by automatically ejecting groundwater that’s beneath your home during rainstorms. Make sure it’s up to the task by performing a simple sump pump test. To do this, pour some water into the sump pit until the pump activates and pumps the water out. If it’s not working as it should, our plumbers can perform sump pump repairs. We also offer sump pump maintenance, and we can install a sump pump backup for added peace of mind.

If you’ve tested your sump pump and it’s working properly, the next step is to clean the sump pit of any debris or sediment that may interfere with the pump’s operation. Also, check the discharge pipe to ensure it’s clear of obstructions.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a handy plumbing appliance that make cleaning dishes and preparing meals significantly easier. To ensure your garbage disposal keeps working effectively, you should make sure to always run water while using the disposal to help solidify grease and prevent clogs. Also, avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods, such as potato peels or celery, down the disposal. As part of your spring cleaning list, you can grind ice cubes and citrus peels to clean and deodorize the disposal.

If your garbage disposal is making unusual noises or not grinding properly, it may require the attention of our plumbers. We provide garbage disposal repairs and replacements.

Schedule Plumbing Services With American Vintage Home

Taking the time to perform seasonal maintenance on your plumbing system can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. By following these simple DIY tasks and knowing when to call in our professionals at American Vintage Home, you can keep your plumbing system in top condition as you transition from winter to spring and summer.

Call American Vintage Home at (847) 999-4595 to schedule plumbing repairs or maintenance in the North Shore area.