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 plans. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while entertaining guests is an inconvenience that will certainly stifle your summer groove. So, the team at San Antonio Air Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has offered some important plumbing maintenance tips. Tackle them now to better assure your summer fun will be as fulfilling as intended.
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 in fact an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensively to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they repeatedly run through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks can be obvious to notice yourself, a professional can warn you of ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely places for a plumbing emergency. You can start your evaluation by moving all items beneath sinks to inspect drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may present 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 quickly the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be resolved as soon as possible by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 San Antonio Air 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 ignore your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also substantial rain in some areas of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning unit reduces the potential for mold and water damage that can appear even from trivial soil seepage throughout the year. The pump should be professionally reviewed, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how soon it responds. If it quits or reacts slowly, it might have to be repaired.
4. Repair toilet leaks
Your water bill might be grateful for this task the most. A few basic inspections by a licensed service professional might save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets often leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which can wear out over time. A pro can also promptly check other parts inside the tank and around the entire toilet as well. The parts within 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 swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, ignoring even the most minor toilet repair today will only lead to larger, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a convenient time to empty the water heater
Even though a water heater problem may not seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be during colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and grime at the tank’s base, which may produce corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A skilled plumber can accomplish this simple task for you while also resolving 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.”
Ready to request a San Antonio Air Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today for more info about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY