With all those trips to Largo, Florida, beaches, you probably spend more time in the laundry room than desired. You may even begin notice a tiny sand castle forming at the bottom of your machine from washing all those towels and bathing suits. Therefore, it is important you take care of your appliances to increase the lifespan of your washer, dryer and utility sink.

Here are four tips for maintaining your laundry-room appliances to keep them running smoothly:

REPLACE THE SUMP PUMP

If you notice frequent but small leaks in your laundry room, especially if they’re below the ground floor, it may be a sump pump-related issue. This device is designed to pump water out of the basement and into your home’s main discharge line. If the sump pump is not functioning properly, this water will make its way into your basement and can cause major flooding. Sump pumps are only designed to last about three to five years, and can potentially sustain cracks. Your best bet is to call a professional and have him or her check it out.

CLEAR BLOCKED DRAIN LINES

In terms of washing machines, flooding is one of the most common plumbing-related issues you’re likely to come across. You can thank all that lint, hair, sand and other debris that caused a backup. You may be able to handle this issue on your own by cleaning out the drain, but to ensure there is no further damage, it’s best to contact a professional.

USE DRAIN STOPPERS OR STRAINERS

Consider rinsing out all of the bathing suits and towels in the utility sink prior to putting them in the washing machine. Before you do this, purchase a stopper or strainer to cover the drain with, so hair and other debris don’t accumulate throughout your pipes and slow your system down. Since sand is rather fine, particles may escape through the strainer and into the drain, so be sure to shake the suits out before tossing them into the washing machine.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKUP

Even if your appliances seem to be working perfectly fine, there are certain problems that can only be diagnosed by a trained plumber. To keep those machines running smoothly and thoroughly, schedule regular maintenance checkups with us at Roto-Rooter of Northern Michigan.