5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.

A plumbing crisis while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will undoubtedly weaken 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 worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them promptly to better assure your summer fun will be as exciting as expected.

1. Inspect 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 an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensely to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they happily sprint 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 outside hose spigot leaks might be obvious to find yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.

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

Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely places for a plumbing disaster. You can initiate your review by moving all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might present clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and observe how easily the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term remedy 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 ignore your sump pump

Summer provides mild weather but also substantial rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning system reduces the potential for mold and water damage that could occur even from minor soil seepage at all times of year. The pump should be professionally examined, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might need to be fixed.

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill may be grateful for this move the most. A handful of basic inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper in the tank, which is likely to wear down over time. A specialist can also quickly evaluate other components inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The parts in the tank, in particular, are pretty affordable; so, if hoses or washers appear 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, postponing even the tiniest toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive problems in the future.

5. It’s a convenient time to flush the water heater

Even though a water heater breakdown won’t always feel like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. If you haven’t flushed out 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 sediment at the tank’s base, which can lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also addressing other maintenance services.

“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.”

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

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