Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for increased use.
A plumbing problem while having guests is an annoyance that will surely dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Fras-Air/General Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some important plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as exciting as intended.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more heavily to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they repeatedly splash through them for a mid-day 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 spot yourself, a professional can warn you of 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 your most likely areas for a plumbing crisis. You can begin your inspection by removing all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can provide 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 watch how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term treatment 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 Fras-Air/General 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 ignore your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also substantial rain in some regions of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water damage that may occur even from trivial soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how easily it responds. If it stops or reacts slowly, it might need to be repaired.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill might be thankful for this task the most. A few quick inspections by a licensed service professional could save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak near the flapper in the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A specialist can also easily evaluate other parts in the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are quite inexpensive; 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, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater failure won't always feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a bother regardless. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done 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 could produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also taking care of 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.”
All set to arrange a Fras-Air/General Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also check out our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY