Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.
A plumbing problem while having guests is an annoyance that will undoubtedly weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them soon to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as enjoyable as expected.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s in fact a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensely to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they repeatedly dash through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to find yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that can occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected places for a plumbing crisis. You can start your inspection by moving all items under sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may supply 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 observe how easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be addressed promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to count on liquid agents as a long-term treatment 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 Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning. “A professional can clean out all your drains, fix a bad one and bring peace of mind with a warranty.”
3. Don’t overlook your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also heavy rain in several regions of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that may develop even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might need to be fixed.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill will be grateful for this task the most. A few simple inspections by a certified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets often leak near the flapper in the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A pro can also promptly assess other components in the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The parts in 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 changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only produce larger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a great time to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater failure might not feel like it’s as difficult in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a headache nonetheless. If you haven’t drained 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 amass minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which could result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also addressing 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 Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY