Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is a headache that will surely impact your summer groove. So, the team at Levy & Son Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some helpful plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer fun will be as enjoyable as intended.
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 in fact a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly 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 outdoor hose spigot leaks may be obvious to notice 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, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected areas for a plumbing disaster. You can initiate your evaluation by clearing away all items below sinks to examine drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can offer 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 fast the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved as soon as possible 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 Levy & Son 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 ignore your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also significant rain in a few areas of the country. Those rains may produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning pump lowers the potential for mold and water damage that could occur even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may need to be fixed.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this move the most. A couple of simple inspections by a certified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper inside the tank, which will break down over time. A pro can also promptly evaluate other components inside the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The pieces in the tank, in particular, are quite budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a great time to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a headache all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action 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 could result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained 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.”
All set to schedule a Levy & Son Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum 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