Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize the summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is ready for high use.
A plumbing crisis while having guests is an annoyance that will certainly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Finch Air Conditioning & Heating, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some beneficial plumbing maintenance tips. Try them promptly to better assure your summer schedule will be as enjoyable as intended.
1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to overlook the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s actually a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more heavily to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly sprint through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outdoor hose spigot leaks can be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that can occur on the inside of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, check fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most expected places for a plumbing catastrophe. You can initiate your inspection by clearing away all items beneath sinks to check drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might offer 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 watch how fast the drain operates. All clogs and leaks should be resolved promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to depend 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 Finch Air Conditioning & Heating. “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 some regions of the country. Those rains can result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not ready. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water damage that may appear even from mild soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally inspected, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it may need to be repaired.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill may appreciate this project the most. A handful of simple inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper within the tank, which tends to wear down over time. A professional can also quickly check other components in the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The components inside the tank, in particular, are pretty affordable; so, if hoses or washers appear worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And don't forget, postponing even the smallest toilet repair today will only lead to larger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a great time to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a bother regardless. If you haven’t emptied 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 amass minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which can produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can perform this simple task for you while also resolving 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.”
Ready to arrange a Finch Air Conditioning & Heating technician to help get your home ready for optimum summertime fun? You can also stop by our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY