Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is an annoyance that will certainly weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Comfortech Service Experts , the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as relaxing as intended.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Broken 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 examined for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks might be obvious to spot 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, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely areas for a plumbing emergency. You can initiate your evaluation by clearing away all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can provide 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 operates. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term remedy 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 Comfortech 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 ignore your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also significant rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water problems that might occur even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to watch how easily it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might have to be fixed.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this task the most. A few simple inspections by a qualified service professional might save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A professional can also easily assess other hardware within the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are very affordable; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, neglecting even the tiniest toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a great time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater failure won't always feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it 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 can result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also taking care of 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.”
All set to schedule a Comfortech Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for optimum 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