Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing problem while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will certainly impact your summer groove. So, the team at Becht/Givens Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as intended.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely a good place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Damaged sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more heavily to keep your grass healthy 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 might be obvious to spot yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that may occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, examine fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected rooms for a plumbing disaster. You can begin your review by removing all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can supply 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 monitor how easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to depend on liquid agents as a long-term answer 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 Becht/Givens 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 produces mild weather but also heavy rain in several areas of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning unit lowers the potential for mold and water damage that might appear even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must 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 may have to be serviced.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this task the most. A few simple inspections by a qualified service professional might save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper in the tank, which is likely to wear out over time. A professional can also quickly examine other parts in the tank and around 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 seems slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, postponing even the most minor toilet repair today will only result in bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient chance to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater failure may not seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it could be in 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 is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified 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.”
All set to request a Becht/Givens Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today for details about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY