Summer is here! It’s the time of year that many people associate with tan lines and margaritas. While beach trips may be on your mind, you may not have thought about maintaining your plumbing system for the new season. With minimal time spent you can avoid expensive repairs and future problems. Follow these tips as you prepare your home for sunny days and warmer weather.

First, make sure all faucets are functioning normally. Check both inside and outside water lines. Turn each line on and off, one at a time, and listen for any unusual sounds. Low water pressure can mean you have a leak in your line, in which case you may need to call a professional Fort Myers plumber like Avis Plumbing.

Then, inspect any exposed pipes. While not common in Florida, winter weather may have cracked external pipes which may lead to home damage. Check each pipe and keep an eye out for any green, moldy, wet, or mossy areas which may indicate a leak.

Check your toilet for leaks, too. For every toilet in the house, add a few drops of food coloring to the water tank located in the back. If you notice the food coloring seeping into the toilet bowl after several minutes, you have a leak. To repair the problem, the flapper will need to be replaced. If you aren’t sure how to do this, call Avis Plumbing for assistance with toilet repair.

Don’t forget to check outside! Make sure your downspouts are situated away from your foundation and that your storm drains are clear of sticks and trash and other debris that could be blocking it — especially important with hurricane and rain season coming soon. Dispose of as much buildup as possible to prevent future clogs and flooding. If you aren’t sure how to handle this, give Avis a call.

Drain your hot water tank. Flush your water heater to remove mineral deposits and sediment buildup. If you moved the temperature gauge during the colder months, turn it back down to 120 degrees or lower to save energy. If you’re using an old heater, consider calling Avis to have it swapped out for a more economical tankless water heater.

Inspect your septic system. If your home uses a septic tank, walk around the area where the tank is stored. Any water puddles or wet spots are suspicious and should be evaluated by a professional Cape  Coral plumber like Avis Plumbing.

If you have one, test your sump pump. The sump pump is integral to the protection of your home’s foundation, and an improperly working pump can lead to expensive water damage and repair costs. These aren’t very common in Southwest Florida, but if you have one you definitely need to check it. Locate the pump and pour water into the pit. Watch for the pump to run its full cycle. If it fails to turn on or drain the water, you should contact Avis for help..

In fact, if you notice anything out of the ordinary or see any red flags listed above, contact Avis Plumbing for a plumbing inspection. In addition to repairs, we can also help you determine best ways to save money throughout the summer season by installing green technology and water conserving fixtures.

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