Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are likely part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is prepared for high use.
A plumbing problem while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will surely stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them promptly to better assure your summer fun will be as relaxing as expected.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s actually the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more often to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they spontaneously dash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks might 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, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most common rooms for a plumbing catastrophe. You can start your inspection by clearing away all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might 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 watch how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be addressed immediately 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 Bryant Heating & Cooling 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 overlook your sump pump
Summer produces mild weather but also heavy rain in some regions of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning unit minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that may appear even from mild soil seepage at all times of year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it may need to be serviced.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this task the most. A couple of basic inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak around the flapper in the tank, which can break down over time. A specialist can also easily check other hardware within the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The parts inside the tank, in particular, are quite affordable; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only produce larger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a great time to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater failure may not seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. If you haven’t emptied your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it 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 result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A trained plumber can complete this simple task for you while also taking care of other maintenance tasks.
“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 arrange a Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of summertime fun? You can also check out our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY