Summer is finally here! Your favorite season to escape from the daily frenzy of modern living and reconnect with nature in the company of loved ones. However, Keyrenter Houston team says, plumbing problems in your home can mess with all those plans.
When you think of summer, clogged drainage pipes and overflowing toilets are often the last things on your mind. It is much easier to focus on barbecues, pool parties, and all the outdoor fun you plan to have with friends, family, and pets.
But even if you don’t want to, plumbing problems in your home can force you to think about them. What will you do when your water heater stops working or the sprinkler system fails? You will be forced to pay attention to your plumbing.
So why not do it now?
Dealing with potential plumbing issues in your home at the start of summer is the best way to enjoy the rest of the season without unpleasant surprises from your plumbing. To help you do that, here is a summer plumbing checklist for your Hinsdale (IL) home.
Summer plumbing checklist for Hinsdale, IL homeowners
Inspect and test all plumbing fixtures
With more people in the house, your home’s water usage will increase during summer. Any existing vulnerabilities in your sinks, faucets, and toilets can quickly degenerate into major problems. Prevent this by checking these components for signs of corrosion, aging, leaks, and other issues. If there are worn-out or aged valves, washers, aerators, etc., in the system, this is the time to replace them.
Check all water-utilizing appliances
Your appliances will be under a lot of pressure during this season. Ensure they can handle the extra demand. Start by checking the water heater for leaks. If you have not flushed the tank in a while, now is the time. If your tankless water heater needs a tune-up, get an experienced professional. Inspect your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator; pay attention to water supply lines – look for frayed and loose hoses.
Check your home’s water pressure
Water pressure issues in your home are more problematic when there are lots of people using the plumbing fixtures in your home. If your house suffers from low water pressure, common causes of the problem are leaks and sediment buildup inside the water lines. If your home has high water pressure, a water pressure regulating device can help you fix the issue. Note that high water pressure will damage your appliances and make your water pipes prone to leaks.
Check for plumbing leaks
Summer is one of the most trying times for your plumbing. High summer temperatures cause pipes to expand erratically, making them prone to damage. If there are weak spots or minor leaks in the pipes, they are likely to get worse. Have a professional plumber test your entire plumbing system for leaks. The cost of hiring professional leak detection services is small compared to the impact of water damage from hidden leaks in your home.
Inspect the outdoor plumbing
Sprinkler systems, hot tubs, swimming pools, and irrigation systems are used more in summer than at any other time of the year. A lot of your outdoor activities during this season will center around these features. Ensure the outdoor pipes and connections that serve these outdoor facilities are in good condition. Run a test cycle to check the sprinkler system for damage. You may want to have a professional plumber inspect these outdoor plumbing components.
Inspect and clean your drains
Drainpipes and sewer lines are another hotspot for plumbing problems during summer. With the kids playing outdoors most of the time and pool parties or cookouts happening, the risk that several debris and food waste will find their way into the drains is high. To prevent drain clogs and blockages in your home at this time of the year, it is a good idea to order pipe video inspection and professional cleaning for your drains and sewer line.
Clean your gutters and downspouts
Summer is most plants’ maximum growth season. Your roof will be dealing with a ton of falling leaves, twigs, nuts, berries, etc. Birds and rodents will also be working overtime to build nests. Ensure plant debris and animal nests don’t cause drainage issues in your home; have your gutters and downspouts cleaned. Fix any rusted or loose sections in these systems. Ensure that your downspout is discharging into the right location.
Inspect and test your sump pump
Summer also comes with a heightened risk of basement floods. To protect your family from unpleasant surprises, inspect your sump pump for problems. Clean the motor, sump basin, and other system components. Test the sump pump to ensure it is working. If necessary, have a professional plumber service the system before the next storm arrives.
Finally, make sure you have a reliable Hinsdale plumber on call. Even with your best efforts, plumbing emergencies can still surprise you in your home. However, with a trustworthy local plumber within easy reach, you can minimize the impact of those problems.
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If you are in need of plumbing assistance in the Hinsdale, IL area, feel free to give us a call at 708-801-6530 or contact us by form below: