Summer is around the corner, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up that summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for higher use.
A plumbing emergency while having guests is an annoyance that will certainly weaken your summer groove. So, the team at Donelson Air Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them now to better assure your summer schedule will be as relaxing as planned.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from 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 assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be relied on more heavily to keep your grass green and your kids cool as they happily sprint through them for a mid-day refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to find yourself, a professional can lead 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 common rooms for a plumbing emergency. You can start your review by removing all items under sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can leave clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms 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 sorted out straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to count 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 Donelson 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 overlook your sump pump
Summer provides mild weather but also heavy rain in several sections of the country. Those rains could 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 might develop even from trivial soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it stops or responds slowly, it may need to be fixed.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill will appreciate this move the most. A handful of basic inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets usually leak around the flapper inside the tank, which is likely to wear down over time. A pro can also easily evaluate other components in the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The components within the tank, in particular, are particularly inexpensive; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve seems slow, all these components can be replaced by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, postponing even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive problems in the future.
5. It’s a great chance to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater problem won't always seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it could be in colder months, it’s a headache regardless. If you haven’t emptied 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 accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which can result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A professional 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.”
Eager to schedule a Donelson 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