Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is a headache that will certainly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Stevenson Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as exciting as expected.
1. Inspect 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 really the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more intensely to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they spontaneously dash through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that may occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely places for a plumbing disaster. You can initiate your inspection by clearing away all items underneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may leave 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 functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back on liquid agents as a long-term solution 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 Stevenson Service Experts. “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 provides mild weather but also significant rain in several regions of the country. Those rains may result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water damage that may appear even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how soon it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it might have to be serviced.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this move the most. A couple of simple inspections by a qualified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak near the flapper in the tank, which will wear out over time. A professional can also quickly examine other parts inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The pieces within 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 replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only become more substantial, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a convenient time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown might not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a hassle regardless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can complete this simple task for you while also resolving 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.”
Ready to schedule a Stevenson Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY