5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for higher use.

A plumbing problem while having guests is an inconvenience that will undoubtedly impact your summer groove. So, the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer fun will be as exciting as planned.

1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s really a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more often to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly 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 outdoor hose spigot leaks can be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.

2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common places for a plumbing catastrophe. You can begin your review by clearing away all items under sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom 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 monitor how quickly the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be addressed straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back on liquid agents as a long-term answer 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 & Plumbing. “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 produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water problems that may develop even from minor soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might need to be serviced.

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill may be grateful for this task the most. A handful of simple inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper within the tank, which will wear down over time. A professional can also promptly check other components inside the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are particularly affordable; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive issues in the future.

5. It’s a good chance to empty the water heater

Even though a water heater problem won’t always seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it could be in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t flushed out 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 collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which can lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also taking care of 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 request a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.

Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY