Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you nail down a summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared for increased use.
A plumbing problem while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will surely weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Neal Harris Service Experts, 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 schedule will be as fulfilling as intended.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they repeatedly dash through them for an afternoon 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 can occur on the interior 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 evaluation by moving all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may present 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 sorted out immediately by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 Neal Harris 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 leave out your sump pump
Summer brings mild weather but also heavy rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might result in floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning system lowers the potential for mold and water problems that might develop even from minor soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris cleared, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may have to be repaired.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this project the most. A handful of basic 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 can wear out over time. A specialist can also easily review other parts in the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are particularly affordable; so, if hoses or washers feel 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, postponing even the smallest toilet repair today will only become more substantial, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a good opportunity to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater failure won't always seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it could be during colder months, it’s a bother 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 begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified plumber can complete 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 arrange a Neal Harris 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