Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing problem while hosting guests is an inconvenience that will undoubtedly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Broad Ripple Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer fun will be as relaxing as expected.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s actually a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensively to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they happily dash through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks might be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected areas for a plumbing emergency. You can start your evaluation by removing all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can leave clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and observe how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term solution for clogs either.
“We strongly discourage homeowners from tackling drain problems with a liquid agent. They may address the clog, but they may also damage plastic or metal pipes,” said BJ Richardson of Broad Ripple Service Experts. “A professional can clean out all your drains, fix a bad one and bring peace of mind with a warranty.”
3. Don’t forget your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also significant rain in several places of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit lowers the potential for mold and water damage that could develop even from minimal soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to see how easily it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might have to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill might be thankful for this task the most. A handful of quick inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper in the tank, which tends to break down over time. A pro can also easily review other hardware inside the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The components inside the tank, in particular, are pretty inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a great opportunity to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater failure may not feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a headache regardless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which could result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can complete this simple task for you while also taking care of other maintenance items.
“A lot of these inspections may seem like common sense, but they can easily go overlooked when our lives get busy,” Richardson added. “You can schedule a certified professional to inspect all of your plumbing systems today. That way you can confidently plan your summer fun without the worry of unexpected surprises.”
Ready to arrange a Broad Ripple Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY