Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for higher use.
A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is a headache that will undoubtedly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Teays Valley Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as exciting as planned.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s actually an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensively to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they repeatedly 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 exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to find yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely rooms for a plumbing crisis. You can begin your inspection by removing all items below sinks to check 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 quickly the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with promptly 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 Teays Valley 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 brings mild weather but also substantial rain in some areas of the country. Those rains may lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning system lowers the potential for mold and water problems that may occur even from slight soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may need to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill might appreciate this task the most. A few quick inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets usually leak near the flapper inside the tank, which tends to break down over time. A professional can also easily examine other parts inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The components in the tank, in particular, are quite affordable; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, postponing even the tiniest toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a convenient time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater failure might not feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it could be in colder months, it’s a headache all the same. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done 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 may lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can perform this simple task for you while also taking care of 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.”
All set to arrange a Teays Valley Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY