5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared for increased use.

A plumbing emergency while having guests is an annoyance that will certainly weaken 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 provided some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as exciting as intended.

1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s actually the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can lead 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 common spaces for a plumbing emergency. You can begin your evaluation by removing all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might provide 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 monitor how easily the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to depend 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 overlook your sump pump

Summer produces mild weather but also significant rain in several places of the country. Those rains might lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning system minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that might develop even from slight soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it may have to be fixed.

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill will be thankful for this task the most. A few basic inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper inside the tank, which will wear down over time. A professional can also easily examine other components inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The pieces inside the tank, in particular, are quite inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers look 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, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only become bigger, more expensive issues in the future.

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

Even though a water heater failure won’t always feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it could be in colder months, it’s a hassle regardless. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also addressing 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 arrange a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.

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