Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will certainly 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 offered some helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer fun will be as fulfilling as intended.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s in fact a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensively to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they spontaneously dash through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be examined for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can alert 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 your most common spaces for a plumbing emergency. You can start your inspection by moving all items underneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can provide 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 monitor how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 produces mild weather but also substantial rain in some regions of the country. Those rains could produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that could develop even from mild soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris cleaned away, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may have to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may be thankful for this move the most. A couple of quick inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper within the tank, which tends to wear down over time. A specialist can also easily check other parts inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are quite budget friendly; 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, putting off even the tiniest toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a convenient opportunity to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown might not seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a hassle nonetheless. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which can produce rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can perform this simple task for you while also taking care of 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.”
Eager 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 for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY