5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you nail down the summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for higher use.

A plumbing crisis while having guests is an inconvenience that will certainly impact 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 shared some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Try them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as enjoyable as expected.

1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly splash through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to spot yourself, a professional can warn you of 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 likely places for a plumbing crisis. You can begin your evaluation by clearing away all items under sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may present 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 monitor how quickly the drain works. 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 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 ignore your sump pump

Summer provides mild weather but also substantial rain in a few regions of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that might occur even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally reviewed, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how easily it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it may need to be fixed.

4. Resolve toilet leaks

Your water bill may be thankful for this project the most. A few basic inspections by a licensed service professional could save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which can wear out over time. A professional can also promptly examine other hardware in the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are pretty budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, putting off even the tiniest toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive complications in the future.

5. It’s a convenient chance to flush the water heater

Even though a water heater problem may not feel like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a headache all the same. If you haven’t flushed out 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 may 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 resolving 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.”

Ready to request a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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