Plumbing Maintenance: How To Prepare Your Plumbing For Summer?
Summer is a time for fun in the sun – but it’s also a time to think about your plumbing! The increase of people in your home, such as your kids home for the summer and family members in from out of town, can put a strain on your plumbing system. You’ll likely be using a lot more water than normal accompanied by more toilet flushes and more time spent in the kitchen. Don’t let your plumbing rain on your summer parade. Make plumbing maintenance a priority this year. Here’s how to prepare your plumbing for summer!
1. Protect Your Drains
Planning on hosting BBQs and get-togethers this summer? Keep in mind that all that extra food you’ll be indulging in can put a lot of pressure on your drains if you’re not careful. Items such as fat, grease, oil, bones and other food scraps don’t belong down your drain. They can cause serious drain and pipe blockages if you’re not careful. It’s a good idea to ask guests to throw their plates away in the trash as opposed to your sink. It also helps to have a garbage can easily accessible so your guests don’t have to even enter your kitchen at all.
2. Check Your Sprinkler System
If you have a sprinkler system on your property, make sure to check for any leaks before the summer fun begins. This also goes for the portable sprinklers that you pull out for the kids to use on those especially hot afternoons, or to water your lawn and keep it from dying. The last thing you want to deal with is a sprinkler not working properly, or one that is leaking. Leaky sprinklers can not only cause high water bills, but it can also kill your grass – which no homeowner wants!
3. Inspect Faucets and Pipes
You should inspect faucets – both inside and outside – each summer for any signs of leaks. Not only that, but take a look under the sink at your pipes to ensure there is no rust or corrosion. If you notice any leaks, or rusted or corroding pipes, then it’s a good idea to have them replaced quickly.
4. Check On Your Toilet
Your toilet is an important part of your home that you need working at all times – especially if you are hosting guests. Before the summer fun begins, you should check your toilet for any clogs or leaks. If it’s not working properly, or you notice any damage or broken seals, call in a plumber right away.
5. Clean Your Sump Pump
A sump pump is an essential part of your home to help prevent flooding, as it collects water from storms and pumps it away from your house. However, for it to do it’s job and to do it well, it needs to be regularly maintained. Overtime, dirt, sand, gravel, and other debris can clog it, which causes it not to work. If your area experiences intense summer storms, then you shouldn’t delay having yours cleaned. Cleaning it will help keep your sump pump working and functioning properly when you need it most.
6. Be Ready To Face Plumbing Issues Head On
The best way to prepare your plumbing is to be ready for when plumbing issues do arise. If you’re a homeowner, then chances are you’ll experience plumbing issues at some point. That’s why it’s important to have a plunger for toilet clogs if you don’t already have one. It’s also a good idea to have mesh filters and hair-catchers to avoid clogged drains. And last but not least, you should have a preferred plumber so you know who to call in the event of a plumbing emergency.
7. Keep Your Gutters Clean
Heavy rainfall and high winds might hit your area this summer. If your gutters are clogged with debris and water from over the winter already, then water can’t move away from your home in the event of even more rain. Instead, the water might makes its way into the walls of your house, which can lead to significant damage. Make sure your gutters are clean so you can enjoy summer worry-free.
8. Inspect Your Water Heater
Each time you use your water heater, it accumulates sediment deposits and debris, which can reduce the efficiency of your unit. Over the winter, you used your water heater a lot. That makes summer the perfect time to have it looked at so you can avoid any potential breakdowns. Even in the summer, stepping into an ice cold shower can be uncomfortable.
Contact Weeks Service Company Today For All Your Plumbing Needs In League City, TX and Surrounding Areas!
Since 1972, Weeks Service Company has been providing quality, professional plumbing services to people in League City, Houston, and the surrounding areas. If you’re ready schedule your plumbing replacement, installation, repair, maintenance, or service, give Weeks Service Company a call today. You can reach us at 346-595-7575 or contact us online here.