5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up your summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.

A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an annoyance that will surely dampen 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 important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as exciting as planned.

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 really a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more heavily to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they happily 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 can be obvious to notice 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, inspect fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common areas for a plumbing emergency. You can begin your evaluation by moving all items under sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might present clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and watch how fast the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 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 leave out your sump pump

Summer brings mild weather but also substantial rain in a few places of the country. Those rains could lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that can appear even from trivial soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally reviewed, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it may need to be serviced.

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill might be grateful for this project the most. A couple of simple inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak around the flapper in the tank, which will wear out over time. A pro can also easily examine other parts inside the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The parts inside the tank, in particular, are pretty affordable; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only become bigger, more expensive problems in the future.

5. It’s a convenient time to empty the water heater

Even though a water heater problem may not feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother regardless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which can produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can complete this simple task for you while also addressing 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 schedule 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 

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