Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are probably 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 entertaining guests is a headache that will certainly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Calverley Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as exciting as planned.
1. Inspect 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 in fact a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more heavily to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly dash through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks might be obvious to notice 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, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected areas for a plumbing emergency. You can initiate your review by moving all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can provide 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 monitor how quickly the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be resolved straight away 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 Calverley 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 provides mild weather but also heavy rain in a few sections of the country. Those rains could lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water problems that can occur even from trivial soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally reviewed, debris cleaned away, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might need to be repaired.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill might appreciate this project the most. A couple of basic inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak around the flapper inside the tank, which can wear out over time. A pro can also quickly check other parts in the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The pieces within the tank, in particular, are very affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only produce more substantial, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown might not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which could result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also resolving 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 Calverley Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY