Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for higher use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is an inconvenience that will surely weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Strand Brothers Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Try them now to better assure your summer fun will be as relaxing as expected.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more intensively to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily dash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks might be obvious to notice 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, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely areas for a plumbing disaster. You can begin your evaluation by removing all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can present 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 watch how quickly the drain works. 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 treatment 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 Strand Brothers 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 forget your sump pump
Summer brings mild weather but also significant rain in a few areas of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit lowers the potential for mold and water problems that could develop even from trivial soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might have to be fixed.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this project the most. A few quick inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak nearby the flapper inside the tank, which will wear out over time. A professional can also easily evaluate other parts inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are particularly inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only become more substantial, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a good opportunity to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater problem may not feel like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. If you haven’t flushed out 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 sediment at the tank’s base, which may produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also attending to other maintenance tasks.
“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 Strand Brothers Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of summertime fun? You can also check out our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY