Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for high use.
A plumbing crisis while hosting guests is an annoyance that will surely stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Eveready Service Experts , the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as fulfilling as intended.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. 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 spontaneously 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 can be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely spaces for a plumbing crisis. You can start your inspection by removing all items below sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might offer 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 easily the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be addressed straight away 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 Eveready 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 significant rain in several areas of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning unit minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that could develop even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might have to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this project the most. A couple of simple inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which tends to wear down over time. A pro can also easily examine other parts within the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The pieces in the tank, in particular, are very inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to drain 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 in colder months, it’s a headache all the same. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also attending to 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 Eveready Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY