5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun
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 nail down the summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared for high use.
A plumbing problem while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will surely weaken 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 worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them promptly to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as fulfilling as expected.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. 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 mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks may be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can warn you of 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 the most common places for a plumbing emergency. You can start your review by clearing away all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom 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 fast the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 regions of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning system decreases the potential for mold and water problems that may develop even from slight soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it might need to be repaired.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this project the most. A few simple inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper inside the tank, which will wear down over time. A specialist can also easily evaluate other components within the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are very budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, ignoring even the most minor toilet repair today will only become larger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a good chance to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater problem might not 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 handle it before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which could lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also resolving 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.”
Eager to request a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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
