Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you nail down that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared for higher use.
A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will surely dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Norrell 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 exciting as intended.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s actually the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more often to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they spontaneously splash 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 outdoor hose spigot leaks can be obvious to spot 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, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected places for a plumbing catastrophe. You can begin your evaluation by moving all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might leave 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 watch how fast the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved immediately by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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 Norrell 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 provides mild weather but also significant rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water problems that could occur even from slight soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris cleaned away, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how soon it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it may have to be serviced.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill might appreciate this move the most. A handful of basic inspections by a qualified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper in the tank, which will wear out over time. A professional can also promptly examine other components inside the tank and surrounding 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 remember, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater problem may not feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a headache regardless. If you haven’t drained 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 collect minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which can lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can perform 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 arrange a Norrell Service Experts 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