Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for higher use.
A plumbing problem while hosting guests is an inconvenience that will certainly weaken 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 offered some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as fulfilling as intended.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn 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 spontaneously splash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks can be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that can occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected areas for a plumbing crisis. You can begin your inspection by clearing away all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can provide 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 monitor how easily the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to rely on liquid agents as a long-term answer 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 forget your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also significant rain in some areas of the country. Those rains could lead to 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 slight soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris cleaned away, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might have to be repaired.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill will be thankful for this move the most. A few basic inspections by a qualified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper in the tank, which will break down over time. A professional can also promptly assess other components within the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are very budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, putting off even the most minor toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a good time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater problem might not seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified 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 request a Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY