Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for high use.
A plumbing crisis while having guests is an inconvenience that will undoubtedly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Knochelmann Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them promptly to better assure your summer schedule will be as fulfilling as planned.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s really an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more often to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they spontaneously sprint through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to find yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected places for a plumbing emergency. You can begin your inspection by clearing away all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might leave 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 observe how easily the drain operates. 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 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 Knochelmann 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 several places of the country. Those rains may produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system decreases the potential for mold and water problems that might develop even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to see how easily it responds. If it stops or acts slowly, it may need to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill might appreciate this project the most. A few basic inspections by a certified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper inside the tank, which can break down over time. A professional can also easily check other components inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The parts in the tank, in particular, are very affordable; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only become bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a great chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater problem may not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a hassle 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 accumulate minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which may produce rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also addressing 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.”
Ready to request a Knochelmann 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