Believe it or not, spring is only weeks away – which means that soon it will be time to give your home plumbing equipment the once-over for the season.

Here’s a checklist to get you started on plumbing projects to tackle as we head into spring 2020:

Spring Plumbing To-dos:

• Check for toilet leaks — Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank; if you have a leak, you’ll see the color in the bowl within an hour.
• Check for faucet leaks – Turn all house faucets on and off and look for drips there, too.
• Install drain strainers – A simple $10 drain strainer could help prevent a costly repair down the road by keeping hair, soap build-up, and other items out of your pipes.
• Check flush handles – If you have to jiggle your toilet handle or hold it down for a few seconds to get a full flush, you should replace the handle.
• Check little-used drains – Pour a gallon of water into any drain you don’t use regularly; if it backs up or drains slowly, it should probably be snaked.
• Look for obvious water damage – Check under sinks and near drains for staining or dampness, which could lead to mold formation and other problems.
• Inspect your sump pump – Pour water in your sump pit and make sure it moves out at a reasonable rate. If the pump does not start up at all, try resetting the circuit breaker. If that doesn’t work, contact us.
• Check outdoor connections – Once we’re passed the freezing days and nights here in eastern Long Island, turn your outdoor water supply back on for the season – then check your outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinklers to make sure they are working properly.

Need professional plumbing service in Long Island’s East End or North Fork? Burt’s Reliable can help. Our master plumbers can handle any plumbing repair or plumbing construction project quickly and correctly. Contact us today to for a FREE estimate on expert plumbing repairs in eastern Long Island.