Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you nail down the summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.
A plumbing crisis while hosting guests is an annoyance that will certainly impact your summer groove. So, the team at Rob's Albertan Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some important plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as fulfilling as intended.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s actually a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more intensively to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they happily dash 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 may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can warn you of 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 the most common rooms for a plumbing catastrophe. You can start your inspection by clearing away all items underneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can 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 monitor how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be resolved promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to count on liquid agents as a long-term treatment 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 Rob's Albertan 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 forget your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also heavy rain in several places of the country. Those rains might lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit decreases the potential for mold and water problems that could develop even from slight soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how easily it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it might have to be repaired.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this project the most. A couple of simple inspections by a qualified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak near the flapper within the tank, which is likely to wear down over time. A specialist can also easily evaluate other parts in the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are quite affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, ignoring even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater problem may not feel like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a headache nonetheless. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which can result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can complete this simple task for you while also resolving 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 Rob's Albertan 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