No one really enjoys doing laundry, but it’s one of those chores that has to be done. If your laundry plumbing isn’t working properly or causing problems, it makes laundry day an even bigger hassle. Insufficient water flow, leaks and floods, or improper rinsing can all lead to major headaches.
Luckily, you can prevent common laundry plumbing problems in your home before they happen with our simple maintenance ideas. There are several easy things you can do to ensure that laundry day goes smoothly:
Fixing Insufficient Water Flow
Your washing machine is designed to operate with correct water pressure from your home’s cold water supply. If there’s a drop in pressure, your machine will take longer to fill. With a newer machine that is designed to detect the level of water, your wash load may take longer to complete. With an older machine, the water level might not be detected properly, so there’s a risk that your load will run without enough water to properly wash your clothes.
To combat insufficient water flow, make sure the main water line in your hose is fully open. Open and close it a few times to remove any debris. You can also inspect your washing machine’s water lines to ensure they are not full of hard water deposits or mineral buildup.
Fixing Leaks and Floods
With the large amount of water a washing machine uses, a problem with the drain can lead to gallons of water spilling all over your floor. The next time you run your washing machine, pay close attention when the rinse cycle is on. Make sure the water is running freely down the drain pipe. It should be fixed securely in place, either to the machine itself or to the wall.
While your machine is running, also take a look for any leaks in the water lines and machine itself. Grab a flashlight and look behind and underneath your washer, and also at the water and drain connections. Even a small leak needs immediate attention. Often a simple gasket replacement can help you avoid a troublesome and expensive flood. Also make sure your washing machine has a shut-off valve installed for the water line. This allows you to shut if off when you leave your house for extended periods.
Overcoming Improper Rinsing
Do your clothes come out of the washer still covered in soap? If your washer isn’t rinsing properly, there could be several causes. For starters, make sure you’re selecting the right cycle and using the proper amount of soap. Your water may also be too hard. You might want to consider a water softener, which can remove unwanted minerals.
Once you’ve gone through this laundry plumbing maintenance checklist, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse if you still have any concerns. We can take care of all your residential plumbing needs with our licensed, certified plumbers.