5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, 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 that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for high use.

A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an inconvenience that will surely 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. Try them promptly to better assure your summer fun will be as relaxing as expected.

1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s actually the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensively to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they happily dash through them for a weekend 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 notice 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, inspect fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely spaces for a plumbing crisis. You can begin your evaluation by moving all items below sinks to inspect drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can leave 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 watch how quickly the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back 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 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 brings mild weather but also heavy rain in several areas of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning unit lowers the potential for mold and water problems that could develop even from slight soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris cleaned away, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how easily it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it may have to be serviced.

4. Address toilet leaks

Your water bill might appreciate this project the most. A handful of basic inspections by a certified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper inside the tank, which will wear out over time. A professional can also quickly examine other parts in the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The parts in the tank, in particular, are very affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don’t forget, putting off even the most minor toilet repair today will only produce larger, more expensive problems in the future.

5. It’s a great opportunity to drain the water heater

Even though a water heater problem might not seem like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a hassle nonetheless. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which could result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can complete this simple task for you while also resolving 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 maximum 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