Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for higher use.
A plumbing problem while hosting guests is a headache that will undoubtedly impact 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 helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as intended.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be examined for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks may be obvious to spot 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 likely rooms for a plumbing crisis. You can initiate your inspection by removing all items below sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may leave 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 easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to depend 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 leave out your sump pump
Summer brings mild weather but also heavy rain in several areas of the country. Those rains might result in floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning system reduces the potential for mold and water damage that may occur even from slight soil seepage at all times of year. The pump should be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how easily it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might need to be repaired.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill will be thankful for this project the most. A few basic inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak nearby the flapper within the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A specialist can also easily assess other components in the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The parts in the tank, in particular, are pretty affordable; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a good opportunity to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown may not feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a headache 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 amass minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which may lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also attending to 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.”
Eager to arrange a Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning technician to help get your home ready for maximum 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