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 schedule. But before you nail down the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will surely stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Falso Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as exciting as expected.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s in fact a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensively to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they happily 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 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, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most common spaces for a plumbing catastrophe. You can start 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 watch how easily the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed as soon as possible 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 Falso 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 heavy rain in a few areas of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water damage that could appear even from minimal soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might have to be serviced.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill might be thankful for this move the most. A handful of basic inspections by a certified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper in the tank, which is likely to break down over time. A specialist can also promptly evaluate other parts in the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The pieces in the tank, in particular, are quite inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, ignoring even the tiniest toilet repair today will only result in larger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient opportunity to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater problem may not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. If you haven’t drained 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 grime at the tank’s base, which could lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can complete 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.”
Ready to schedule a Falso Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also check out our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY