Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing crisis while having guests is a headache that will undoubtedly 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 shared some important plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer fun will be as enjoyable as expected.
1. Examine 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 in fact the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more often to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily sprint 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 might be obvious to spot yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely places for a plumbing catastrophe. You can begin your review by moving all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may present 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 monitor how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back 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. “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 produces mild weather but also significant rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water damage that can appear even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally reviewed, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it may have to be serviced.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill might be grateful for this project the most. A couple of basic inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets often leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which will wear down over time. A specialist can also quickly examine other hardware within the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are pretty inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, putting off even the most minor toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a good chance to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown may not feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a hassle nonetheless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can accomplish 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.”
Ready to schedule 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 for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY