Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement 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 ready for higher use.
A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will surely stifle your summer groove. So, the team at A-PLUS Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer fun will be as enjoyable as expected.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s actually a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more heavily to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily sprint through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks might be obvious to spot yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely spaces for a plumbing emergency. You can start your evaluation by moving all items underneath sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might 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 fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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 A-PLUS 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 leave out your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also heavy rain in a few places of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that may occur even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord looked at, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it might need to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this project the most. A few quick inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper inside the tank, which tends to break down over time. A professional can also promptly assess other components inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The parts inside the tank, in particular, are very 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 keep in mind, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a convenient time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always feel like it’s as difficult in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a hassle nonetheless. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled 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 request a A-PLUS Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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