Summer is on the horizon, and that means 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 ensure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will surely impact your summer groove. So, the team at Freschi Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer fun will be as relaxing as planned.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s actually a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more often to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily splash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected rooms for a plumbing catastrophe. You can initiate your inspection by clearing away all items underneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can present clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are signs of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and monitor how quickly the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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 Freschi 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 forget your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also significant rain in several regions of the country. Those rains might 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 can occur even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it might have to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this move the most. A few basic inspections by a certified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper inside the tank, which can wear out over time. A professional can also quickly review other parts within the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The pieces within the tank, in particular, are pretty affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce bigger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a good chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater problem won't always seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. If you haven’t emptied 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 accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which can lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified plumber can perform this simple task for you while also taking care of 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 request a Freschi 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