Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize your summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for high use.
A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an inconvenience that will certainly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Service Experts, 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 enjoyable as planned.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s actually a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they spontaneously dash through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot, too. While outside hose spigot leaks may be obvious to spot yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that may occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely areas for a plumbing emergency. You can start your inspection by removing all items underneath sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can provide 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 watch how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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, division plumbing manager of 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 brings mild weather but also heavy rain in some areas of the country. Those rains may lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that can occur even from minor soil seepage at all times of year. The pump should be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord checked, and most importantly water added to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it may need to be repaired.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this move the most. A few simple inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper inside the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A professional can also quickly assess other components inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The parts inside the tank, in particular, are very inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive, problems in the future.
5. It’s a great time to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater failure may not seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a hassle nonetheless. If you haven’t drained 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 can lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can perform this simple task for you while also addressing 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 schedule a Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
Read more here: Click Here
