Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you nail down your summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for high use.
A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will certainly 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 helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as relaxing as planned.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more often to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks might be obvious to recognize 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 your most expected areas for a plumbing emergency. You can start your inspection by removing all items under sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can 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 watch how quickly the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out straight away 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 overlook your sump pump
Summer brings mild weather but also substantial rain in a few places of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that might occur even from minimal soil seepage at all times of year. The pump should be professionally examined, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how soon it responds. If it stops or acts slowly, it may have to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill might be thankful for this project the most. A few basic inspections by a certified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak near the flapper in the tank, which can break down over time. A pro can also quickly assess other parts within the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are very inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, ignoring even the smallest toilet repair today will only lead to larger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a good opportunity 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 in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional 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 arrange 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