Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are probably part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for increased use.
A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is an inconvenience 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 shared some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as intended.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s in fact an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more often to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly dash 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 exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can lead you to 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 common places for a plumbing emergency. You can initiate your evaluation by clearing away all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may provide 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 functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to depend 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 ignore your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also significant rain in several sections of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water problems that might occur even from slight soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might have to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill might be grateful for this project the most. A couple of quick inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak nearby the flapper within the tank, which will wear down over time. A specialist can also easily evaluate other components in the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The components inside the tank, in particular, are quite inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce larger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a convenient opportunity to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always seem like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a headache all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which can lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also resolving 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.”
All set to schedule a Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY