5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

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

A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an inconvenience that will surely dampen 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 important plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as fulfilling as intended.

1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to spot 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 rooms for a plumbing emergency. You can begin your review by removing all items under sinks to inspect drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might provide clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and monitor how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed promptly 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 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 produces mild weather but also significant rain in several areas of the country. Those rains could lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water problems that can appear even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might have to be repaired.

4. Resolve toilet leaks

Your water bill may be thankful for this task the most. A few basic inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets often leak nearby the flapper within the tank, which is likely to break down over time. A professional can also easily review other components in the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The pieces in the tank, in particular, are particularly affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped 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 complications in the future.

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

Even though a water heater breakdown won’t always feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a headache regardless. If you haven’t drained 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 accumulate minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also resolving 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.”

Ready to schedule a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for optimum 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