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 fun and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared for higher use.

A plumbing crisis while hosting guests is a headache 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 worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them promptly to better assure your summer fun will be as fulfilling as intended.

1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensely to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they repeatedly splash through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.

2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common spaces for a plumbing crisis. You can start your evaluation by clearing away all items below sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might offer 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 watch how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back on liquid agents as a long-term treatment 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 several areas of the country. Those rains could produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system lowers the potential for mold and water damage that may occur even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it stops or acts slowly, it may have to be fixed.

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill may appreciate this project the most. A few basic inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper within the tank, which will wear down over time. A pro can also quickly examine other parts in the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are quite budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don’t forget, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only become larger, more expensive problems in the future.

5. It’s a good time to empty the water heater

Even though a water heater problem might not feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a bother regardless. If you haven’t emptied 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 sediment at the tank’s base, which may produce rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish 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.”

All set to arrange a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also check out our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.

Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY