Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for higher use.
A plumbing problem while having guests is an annoyance that will surely dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some important plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer fun will be as fulfilling as planned.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing on 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 depended on more heavily to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks might be obvious to discover yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely rooms for a plumbing disaster. You can begin your inspection by removing all items below sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might supply clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are signs of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and observe how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be addressed promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. “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 brings mild weather but also significant rain in several regions of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system lowers the potential for mold and water problems that could develop even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris cleared, the power cord looked at, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it stops or reacts slowly, it might need to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this move the most. A few quick inspections by a licensed service professional could save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper within the tank, which is likely to wear out over time. A professional can also easily examine other components inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The pieces inside the tank, in particular, are pretty inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater failure may not seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which can produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also addressing other maintenance services.
“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 request a Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY