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 schedule. But before you wrap up the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for higher use.
A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will surely dampen 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 provided some helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them soon to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as exciting as expected.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks can be obvious to find 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, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected places for a plumbing emergency. You can begin your evaluation by clearing away all items under sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may provide 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 quickly the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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 brings mild weather but also substantial rain in a few sections of the country. Those rains could lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system lowers the potential for mold and water damage that might develop even from minimal soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris cleared, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it might need to be repaired.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may be thankful for this project the most. A few basic inspections by a certified service professional might save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper inside the tank, which can wear out over time. A professional can also easily examine other hardware inside the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The pieces inside the tank, in particular, are very affordable; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce larger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown might not feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which could lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also addressing 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.”
All set to request 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 for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY