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 entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is prepared for higher use.

A plumbing crisis while hosting guests is an annoyance 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 helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them promptly to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as fulfilling as expected.

1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be examined for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks might be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that can occur on the inside of the wall, too.

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

Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely spaces for a plumbing catastrophe. You can start your inspection by moving all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can offer 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 functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved immediately by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term solution 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 leave out your sump pump

Summer provides mild weather but also substantial rain in several places of the country. Those rains could lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning system minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that may occur even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to see how easily it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may need to be repaired.

4. Address toilet leaks

Your water bill might be grateful for this task the most. A handful of basic inspections by a qualified service professional could save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper in the tank, which will wear down over time. A specialist can also easily examine other hardware in the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The pieces inside the tank, in particular, are pretty budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, ignoring even the tiniest toilet repair today will only lead to larger, more expensive complications in the future.

5. It’s a convenient opportunity to empty the water heater

Even though a water heater failure won’t always feel like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a headache nonetheless. If you haven’t flushed out 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 collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can complete 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.”

Ready to arrange a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of summertime fun? You can also visit our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.

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