Summer is on the horizon, 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 a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an annoyance that will undoubtedly weaken your summer groove. So, the team at R & M Climate Control Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as relaxing as intended.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they happily run through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that can occur on the inside 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 catastrophe. You can begin your evaluation by moving all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might leave 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 fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be addressed as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to depend 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 R & M Climate Control 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 provides mild weather but also substantial rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump decreases the potential for mold and water damage that can develop even from trivial soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might need to be fixed.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this project the most. A few quick inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak around the flapper inside the tank, which will break down over time. A specialist can also quickly evaluate other components in the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The pieces within the tank, in particular, are quite inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers feel 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 most minor toilet repair today will only lead to more substantial, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. 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 amass minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which may lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can complete this simple task for you while also attending to 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.”
Eager to request a R & M Climate Control Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum 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