Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize a summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for higher use.
A plumbing crisis while having guests is an inconvenience that will surely weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Midway Services, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them promptly to better assure your summer schedule will be as relaxing as planned.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook 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 counted on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly sprint 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 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, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most common areas for a plumbing emergency. You can begin your inspection by clearing away all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may offer 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 easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be resolved straight away 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 Midway Services. “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 several places of the country. Those rains may lead to floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning system minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that might develop even from slight soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to observe how quickly it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it may have to be repaired.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill may be grateful for this project the most. A few simple inspections by a certified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets usually leak near the flapper within the tank, which will wear down over time. A pro can also quickly assess other parts within the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are quite affordable; so, if hoses or washers look worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, neglecting even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in larger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a convenient opportunity to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater failure won't always seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a headache regardless. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which can produce corrosion 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 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.”
All set to request a Midway Services technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY