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Spring in New Jersey is a happy and exciting time. It gets us thinking about warmer weather and the extra hours we will spend outdoors. But for homeowners, springtime can also lead to something else—more stress! After all, spring weather means yard clean up, lawn mowing, garden tending, and other “spring cleaning” chores that come with owning a home.
With these things in mind, it’s no surprise that April has been designated Stress Awareness Month. Well, stress no more! A.J. Perri is here to help you kick that homeowner stress to the curb. Here are five ways to prep your plumbing for spring so you’ll have total peace of mind this season.
Our Top 5 Spring Plumbing Tips
Ready to flush away those plumbing headaches? Follow these tips and you certainly will.
1. Inspect the Main Water Valve
Since your main water valve is typically set to the “on” position, it’s a good idea to test that it still turns. After all, should you have a plumbing emergency and need to turn the main water valve off, you want to be sure it works. If you have trouble turning it off, it’s time to upgrade. Having trouble finding your main valve? Check the perimeter of the house near the foundation where it faces the street. Most likely you’ll find it there.
2. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
When you do that spring cleaning yardwork, don’t forget to clear your gutters of debris. Scoop out wet leaves, sticks, and other junk that could’ve gotten stuck in them during the winter months. It’s also a good idea to inspect downspouts for cracks and leaks. And be sure they are placed properly and still diverting water away from your foundation.
3. Check Your Sump Pump
Complete a thorough sump pump check to ensure your pump is in working order. Check the power cord for damage, remove any debris around the pump, be sure the float switch is working, and inspect the check valve for functionality as well. (Tip: You can also test the sump pump by running a bucket of water through the pump.) If you’re a newbie to sump pumps, you can learn more about sump pumps here.
4. Examine the Water Heater
The Department of Energy recommends keeping the water heater temperature at a setting of 120 degrees F. Adjust the setting if you need to. Also, check for rusting, puddling, or soot that might be surrounding the control panel (you’ll typically find this at the bottom of the water heater). If you notice any of these, give our team a call for a quick check. If your water heater is over 15 years old and you’re having recurring problems, it’s probably time for a new unit.
5. Test Outdoor Spigots
After a long, cold winter, your outdoor spigots could have experienced damage. Check that sprinklers and outdoor faucets are running properly by turning on the water and running the system. While the water is running, check for water leaks. If you have any garden hoses that weren’t disconnected over the winter months, you’ll want to check your hose bibs, too. Colder weather could cause cracks or leaks.
Happy Easter from Your Friends at A.J. Perri
Don’t forget that early spring is good time to ‘hop’ on to the A.J. Perri site and schedule that AC tune-up. An annual tune-up is the secret to having a smoothly functioning air conditioning system all summer long. Call us today for your spring appointment at 732.733.2548! Happy Easter!