5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal schedule. But before you nail down a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for increased use.

A plumbing problem while having guests is an annoyance that will undoubtedly 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 helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as planned.

1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s in fact a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more often to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they happily run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks might be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.

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

Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely spaces for a plumbing catastrophe. You can start your review by clearing away all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can supply 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 fast the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be addressed straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term answer 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 overlook your sump pump

Summer brings mild weather but also significant rain in some regions 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 could appear even from trivial soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may need to be serviced.

4. Repair toilet leaks

Your water bill might be thankful for this project the most. A handful of basic inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper in the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A pro can also easily check other parts inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are very inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive complications in the future.

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

Even though a water heater failure may not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can complete this simple task for you while also attending to 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.”

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

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