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 entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for higher use.

A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is a headache that will undoubtedly 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. Try them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as fulfilling as planned.

1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s really a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more often to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily run through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks might be obvious to discover yourself, a professional can warn you of 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 rooms for a plumbing catastrophe. You can start your inspection by removing all items below sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may offer 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 watch how easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be resolved straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 & Plumbing. “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 several sections of the country. Those rains can lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit decreases the potential for mold and water problems that could occur even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it might need to be fixed.

4. Address toilet leaks

Your water bill will be grateful for this project the most. A few simple inspections by a licensed service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak near the flapper within the tank, which is likely to break down over time. A professional can also promptly check other components in the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components inside the tank, in particular, are quite budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don’t forget, postponing even the tiniest toilet repair today will only produce more substantial, more expensive issues in the future.

5. It’s a good chance to empty the water heater

Even though a water heater failure might not seem like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. 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 amass minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which could produce rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified plumber can perform this simple task for you while also taking care of 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 & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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