Summer is on the horizon, and that equals barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal schedule. But before you finalize your summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.
A plumbing emergency while hosting guests is an annoyance that will certainly dampen your summer groove. So, the team at Gordon's Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them soon to better assure your summer fun will be as enjoyable as planned.
1. Test your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Coming out of winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing around the outside of your home. But it’s really a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and review. Broken sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more often to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they spontaneously dash 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 outside hose spigot leaks might be obvious to spot yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that may 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 places for a plumbing emergency. You can initiate your review by clearing away all items below sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets might supply 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 monitor how fast the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out 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 Gordon's 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 substantial rain in several areas of the country. Those rains could result in floods in basements if your sump pump is not working correctly. A properly functioning system minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that can occur even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally examined, debris cleaned away, the power cord checked, and most important, water added to the pit to see how soon it responds. If it stops or reacts slowly, it may have to be repaired.
4. Address toilet leaks
Your water bill might be grateful for this project the most. A couple of simple inspections by a qualified service professional could save you water and help you avert a costly repair. Toilets usually leak near the flapper within the tank, which can break down over time. A professional can also quickly examine other parts in the tank and surrounding the entire toilet as well. The parts within the tank, in particular, are quite 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 keep in mind, ignoring even the tiniest toilet repair today will only become bigger, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a great chance to flush the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown won't always seem like it’s as dreadful in the summer as it could be in colder months, it’s a hassle regardless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to take action before the summertime fun is in full swing and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters accumulate minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which may result in rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can complete this simple task for you while also addressing 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 arrange a Gordon's 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