Spring is definitely in the air, and what better time to give your home a good scrubbing and take care of some basic maintenance? Your plumbing can also use a spring tune-up, and taking a little bit of time to check for problems now can save a great deal of time and hassle down the road, no matter what the season. Here are a few ways you can make sure your plumbing is working as intended. 

Checking for Toilet Leaks

If your toilet overflows, you'll immediately know there is a problem with your bathroom plumbing. But did you know that a leak between the tank and bowl is among the most common types of toilet malfunctions? You can have one of these leaks for years without knowing. Every time the water in the tank slowly leaks into the bowl, the system will come on to refill the tank, costing you hard-earned dollars. 

Checking for a toilet leak is fast and easy. Just remove the tank lid and place a few drops of food coloring into the water in the tank. Close the bowl lid, and check back in about 30 minutes. If the water in the bowl has changed color, then a leak is present. You may have a problem with the float or inlet valve, or it could be the ballcock, in which case replacing the entire assembly is probably the best move. 

Checking for Sump Pump Leaks

Your sump pump plays an integral role in keeping your basement from flooding. Because spring brings a significant amount of rain, a quick check of your sump pump can prevent big headaches this season. Fortunately, running a simple test takes just a few moments. 

Locate the tank or pit and pour a bucket of water in. Activate the switch to turn the pump on, and see if it clears and fully drains the water. If your basement or basements in your neighborhood are prone to flooding, consider installing a back-up sump pump, which will turn on automatically if your home loses power or the primary sump pump fails. 

Amanda Plumbing has been a part of the Delaware community for more than 25 years. The company offers 24-hour emergency services, as well as all types of repairs and installations, including high tech upgrades. When your plumbing needs help, the Amanda Plumbing team is standing by to correct the problem and preserve your home. Give your plumbing a spring check-up, and if you have concerns, call the team at Amanda Plumbing today if your plumbing is out of shape!