Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor events are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for high use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is a headache that will certainly weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Parker Pearce Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as relaxing as intended.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s actually an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more heavily to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they happily run through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks may be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that may occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common places for a plumbing crisis. You can start your evaluation by moving all items under sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may provide 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 monitor how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be resolved 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 Parker Pearce 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 heavy rain in a few regions of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system reduces the potential for mold and water problems that might develop even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it might have to be fixed.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this project the most. A handful of simple inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper within the tank, which is likely to break down over time. A professional can also quickly check other hardware within the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are pretty budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, postponing even the tiniest toilet repair today will only become larger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater failure might not seem like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. 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 accumulate minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which could result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also resolving 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 Parker Pearce Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of summertime fun? You can also check out our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY