5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are likely part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up your summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is ready for increased use. 

A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an annoyance that will certainly dampen 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 important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer fun will be as enjoyable as planned. 

1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems 

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s actually a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they repeatedly dash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks may be obvious to find yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that may occur on the inside of the wall, too. 

2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely areas for a plumbing emergency. You can start your review by removing all items underneath sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can leave 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 observe how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be addressed immediately 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 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 forget your sump pump 

Summer produces mild weather but also heavy rain in a few areas of the country. Those rains may produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning pump minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that can appear even from mild soil seepage at all times of year. The pump should be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it may need to be repaired. 

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill may appreciate this move the most. A couple of quick inspections by a certified service professional can save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets often leak nearby the flapper inside the tank, which tends to wear out over time. A professional can also easily check other components inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The parts inside the tank, in particular, are very inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive problems in the future. 

5. It’s a good chance to drain the water heater

Even though a water heater failure might not seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a hassle nonetheless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which can lead to corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish 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.” 

All set to schedule a Midway Services technician to help get your home ready for maximum 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