Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you nail down your summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for increased use.
A plumbing problem while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will certainly stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Strogen's Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as expected.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more often to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily run 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 exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to find 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, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely spaces for a plumbing emergency. You can initiate your review by moving all items under sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may leave 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 watch how quickly the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back 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 Strogen's 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 produces mild weather but also heavy rain in some sections of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water damage that may occur even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally reviewed, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may need to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this move the most. A few simple inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper within the tank, which can wear down over time. A pro can also promptly review other components inside the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components inside the tank, in particular, are quite inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, postponing even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in larger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a great chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown might not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a bother regardless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which could lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can complete this simple task for you while also attending to 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.”
All set to arrange a Strogen's Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum 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