Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for higher use.
A plumbing crisis 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 offered some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them promptly to better assure your summer fun will be as exciting as expected.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s really the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensively to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily sprint 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 outdoor hose spigot leaks might be obvious to find 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, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected areas for a plumbing crisis. You can start your evaluation by removing all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can offer 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 observe how easily the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional, and you won’t want to depend 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 heavy rain in a few places of the country. Those rains may result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water damage that might occur even from slight soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris cleaned away, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might need to be serviced.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill will be grateful for this move the most. A few quick inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper inside the tank, which can break down over time. A pro can also easily examine other hardware within the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are pretty affordable; so, if hoses or washers look 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 result in larger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a good chance to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown may not seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it can 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 handle it before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which could result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also addressing 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.”
Eager to schedule a Stevenson Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also check out our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY