Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing crisis while hosting guests is a headache that will certainly weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Church Services, 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 schedule will be as enjoyable as expected.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook 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 have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more often to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they spontaneously dash through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks might be obvious to find yourself, a professional can alert you to 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 likely rooms for a plumbing crisis. You can initiate your inspection by clearing away all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may 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 monitor how quickly the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be addressed as soon as possible 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 Church Services. “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 brings mild weather but also significant rain in some areas of the country. Those rains can produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning system reduces the potential for mold and water problems that can occur even from slight soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may have to be serviced.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this task the most. A couple of simple inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak around the flapper inside the tank, which tends to break down over time. A pro can also easily evaluate other hardware inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The pieces within the tank, in particular, are particularly affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, putting off even the tiniest toilet repair today will only result in larger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it would 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 take action before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which may produce rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish 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 Church Services technician to help get your home ready for maximum 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