Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up your summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is a headache that will certainly impact your summer groove. So, the team at Sunbeam Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer fun will be as fulfilling as expected.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s actually the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they happily sprint through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that may occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected areas for a plumbing crisis. You can initiate your evaluation by moving all items below sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can present 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 observe how quickly the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 Sunbeam 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 overlook your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also substantial rain in several regions of the country. Those rains could lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that may appear even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it might need to be serviced.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill might be thankful for this move the most. A couple of simple inspections by a licensed service professional could save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which can break down over time. A specialist can also easily assess other parts inside the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The components inside 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, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only become bigger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a great time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a hassle regardless. If you haven’t emptied 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 amass minerals and other debris 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 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 Sunbeam Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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