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 events are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you nail down the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for high use.

A plumbing crisis while having guests is an annoyance 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 offered some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as expected.

1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s really an easy 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 watered and your kids cool as they spontaneously run through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks can be obvious to find yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.

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

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected spaces for a plumbing crisis. You can begin your review by moving all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might 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 observe how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be dealt with straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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 leave out your sump pump

Summer produces mild weather but also heavy rain in a few places of the country. Those rains can produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning system reduces the potential for mold and water damage that can appear even from mild soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might have to be serviced.

4. Repair toilet leaks

Your water bill may be grateful for this move the most. A handful of basic inspections by a certified service professional might save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper in the tank, which is likely to wear out over time. A specialist can also easily assess other parts inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are particularly affordable; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don’t forget, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce bigger, more expensive issues in the future.

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

Even though a water heater breakdown may not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a headache regardless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which could 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 taking care of 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.”

Ready 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 stop by our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.

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