5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun
Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement 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 prepared for higher use.
A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will surely impact your summer groove. So, the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as fulfilling as intended.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s actually an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensively to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly run 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 spot yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that can occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected rooms for a plumbing disaster. You can start your inspection by moving all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can leave clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are indicators of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and observe how quickly the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to rely on liquid agents as a long-term remedy 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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. “A professional can clean out all your drains, fix a bad one and bring peace of mind with a warranty.”
3. Don’t overlook your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also substantial rain in some places of the country. Those rains could produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water problems that can develop even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it stops or acts slowly, it may need to be fixed.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this project the most. A couple of quick inspections by a qualified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper inside the tank, which can break down over time. A pro can also easily check other components in the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The pieces within the tank, in particular, are very inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only become larger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a great chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater problem won’t always seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a headache nonetheless. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which could produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can complete this simple task for you while also resolving other maintenance tasks.
“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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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
