Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor events are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is an inconvenience that will undoubtedly stifle your summer groove. So, the team at McElroy Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them promptly to better assure your summer fun will be as exciting as planned.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s in fact a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they happily dash through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks might be obvious to discover yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely spaces for a plumbing emergency. You can start your review by clearing away all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might provide 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 operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back 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 McElroy 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 heavy rain in several regions of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump lowers the potential for mold and water problems that can occur even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally reviewed, debris removed, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it might need to be repaired.
4. Resolve toilet leaks
Your water bill might be thankful for this move the most. A few quick inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets often leak around the flapper inside the tank, which can wear down over time. A professional can also quickly assess other parts in the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are pretty inexpensive; 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 keep in mind, putting off even the tiniest toilet repair today will only become bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a good time to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater failure won't always feel like it’s as bad in the summer as it would be during colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which can lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can complete this simple task for you while also addressing 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.”
Eager to schedule a McElroy Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for optimum 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