Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July entertainment and other outdoor events are potentially part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize that summer calendar, you’ll want to make sure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing crisis while hosting guests is an annoyance that will undoubtedly stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, 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 satisfaction will be as enjoyable as intended.
1. Check your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
After winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s really an easy place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Broken sprinkler heads will need to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensely to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they happily run through them for an afternoon refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be tested for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks can be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can alert you to 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 common spaces for a plumbing catastrophe. You can initiate your evaluation by moving all items under sinks to inspect drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might offer 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 observe how easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be resolved 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 Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air. “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 produces mild weather but also significant rain in some regions of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning pump lowers the potential for mold and water damage that can appear even from minimal soil seepage throughout the year. The pump must be professionally reviewed, debris cleared, the power cord looked at, and most important, water put in to the pit to watch how quickly it responds. If it stops or reacts slowly, it may need to be serviced.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill may be thankful for this move the most. A few quick inspections by a licensed service professional can save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets usually leak nearby the flapper inside the tank, which will wear down over time. A professional can also easily evaluate other hardware inside the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The parts in the tank, in particular, are pretty 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, postponing even the tiniest toilet repair today will only produce bigger, more expensive issues in the future.
5. It’s a great time to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater problem won't always seem like it’s as unpleasant in the summer as it can be in colder months, it’s a hassle all the same. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun begins and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and other debris at the tank’s base, which may lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified 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.”
Eager to arrange a Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air 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