Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for higher use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is an inconvenience that will undoubtedly stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Midland Air Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them now to better assure your summer satisfaction 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 overlook the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s really a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Broken sprinkler heads will have 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 evaluated for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to discover 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, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expected places for a plumbing catastrophe. You can initiate your evaluation by clearing away all items underneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might present clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms 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 resolved promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to rely 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 Midland Air 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 provides mild weather but also substantial rain in several regions of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump lowers the potential for mold and water damage that might appear even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally examined, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to observe how easily it responds. If it stops or acts slowly, it may need to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill will be grateful for this project the most. A few simple inspections by a qualified service professional could save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak near the flapper in the tank, which tends to break down over time. A pro can also easily evaluate other components inside the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The parts inside the tank, in particular, are pretty budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be changed out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, postponing even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a great time to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater failure may not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which can lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional plumber can complete this simple task for you while also taking care of other maintenance tasks.
“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 Midland Air Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of 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