Summertime Perfect for Cost-Saving Plumbers’ Projects

Summertime is the perfect time of year to take care of important plumbing inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks, as plumbers’ schedules are less busy, and temperature and other conditions are more conducive to their work. By taking action on these issues, property owners can spend more of their summers having fun and less worrying about emergency repairs.

According to AAA, about 80 percent of families polled by the organization said they were planning a road trip this summer, up from 2016. The last thing anyone wants to deal with when they hit the road with their family or friends is a call from the neighbors telling them that they need to return home to deal with a serious issue like a septic system failure. Not only do they lose vacation days and money spent on hotels and other accommodations, but they also end up with big bills a little preventative maintenance could have allowed them to avoid.

By working to ensure tasks like kitchen faucet repair, sink drain maintenance, and water heater repair are taken care of, you can hit the road with no worries.

Why Summertime Is the Right Time

Summer is an opportune time to enlist the services of a plumber for maintenance and repair tasks. The season is generally less hectic for plumbers, as most emergency repair work occurs during the spring and winter months. As a result, plumbers with more open schedules are more likely to accommodate requests for larger maintenance and repair projects. Additionally, due to the slower summer schedule, property owners may be able to save on labor costs for summer projects.

The work of plumbers is also made easier during the summer because of weather and ground conditions. In the winter, pipes can freeze overnight, making them more difficult to work with. Plumbers may also face difficulties accessing water lines and pipes due to frozen ground. Cold weather conditions can also pose risks for plumbers, such as icy patches outside, increasing the likelihood of slip and fall accidents. With longer daylight hours in the summer, plumbers have more time to complete their work.

Six Summertime Plumbing Projects

• Inspect for leaks – Checking for leaking pipes is one of the most important services plumbers can provide. Plumbers have a variety of tools they can use to inspect for leaking pipes. They’ll start by visually inspecting your property, searching for damp spots, mildew growth, warped floorboards, and other telltale signs of leaking pipes. From there, plumbers can move to use high-tech options such as listening devices that can detect dripping sounds, infrared sensors to find moisture or miniature cameras attached to fiber optic cables that plumbers can run through drains and pipes.

Once plumbers find leaks, they can resolve the issue. Fixing leaking pipes is important because the leak can grow and cause pipes to fail, leaving a big, expensive mess for emergency plumbers to fix.

• Inspect sprinkler system – Cracks or leaks in sprinkler system pipes can result in costly repairs if they become severe. Summertime is an excellent time to have your outdoor sprinkler system inspected by a professional plumber. Plumbers can find and repair leaks and advise you on upgrades to your sprinkler system.
• Install a new dishwasher – If your home doesn’t have a dishwasher or if you have an older model that needs replacing, summer is a great time to take on this project. According to CNet, Energy Star-certified dishwashers are 12 percent more energy-efficient than models without Energy Star certification.

 If you’re using a dishwasher manufactured more than 20 years ago, you’re likely losing $35 per year in utility costs. Plumbers can help you find the new energy- and water-efficient dishwasher that’s right for your kitchen and install it. Dishwashers can save you a lot of time and work in the kitchen, so they’re definitely a good investment.

• Pump septic system – If you think your septic system needs pumping, it’s best to have it done ASAP. Nothing can ruin a summer like having to deal with a septic system that’s backing up. It’s gross, expensive, and time-consuming.

Approximately one-third of homes use septic systems to handle wastewater from various sources, including kitchen sinks, toilets, washing machines, and more. When wastewater enters the septic system, heavy particles such as fats, oils, proteins, and other matter settle to the bottom of the tank, forming sludge.

The remaining water, known as gray water, flows into a leach field where pipes distribute it into the soil. The organic material in the gray water can fertilize the area around the tank, making the grass greener.

Over time, the sludge in the tank will accumulate, and a professional will need to pump the tank to remove it. Property owners with septic tanks should have their tanks inspected annually to determine if pumping is necessary. Most septic systems require pumping every one to three years.

• Test and install sump pumps – For homes with basements or ones that are located in areas prone to flooding, sump pumps are a must. Sump pumps remove water from low-lying areas and transfer it to storm drains, dry wells, or other places. The summer season brings heavy rains in some parts of the country, so it’s a good idea to check your sump pump or install one if needed. Plumbers can inspect an existing pump to make sure it works and check lines or pipes used to transport water collected by the pump.
• Install a solar water heater – Solar water heaters are great for outdoor hot tubs or heated pools. Some models can also be great for providing hot water for your whole home. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a solar water heater can cut energy costs associated with heating water by up to 50 percent. While a new solar hot water heater will cost more than a new traditional hot water heater, over time consumers will recoup these costs from lower power bills. Tax incentives may also help to make these devices more affordable.

Choosing the Right Plumber

Completing your summer plumbing tasks ahead of time can allow you to fully enjoy the season without worry, whether you’re planning a trip or enjoying a staycation. This is especially important for those who own vacation homes or rental properties that are far away from their primary residence. By scheduling a summer inspection and maintenance call with a reliable plumber, landlords can avoid the headaches of unexpected plumbing emergencies.

Finding the right plumber for your summer home repair and maintenance needs is crucial. It’s a good idea to check online reviews, ask friends for recommendations, and inquire about certifications and references to ensure that you are hiring a skilled and experienced professional. With the right plumber, you can have peace of mind knowing that your plumbing is in good hands and that you can fully enjoy your summer activities.

Met Plumbing, a full-service, family-owned plumbing company, serves the greater Houston area, including communities like Katy, Richmond, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston. The company offers experienced staff with training in the latest plumbing products and solutions. For help with drains, pipes, gas lines, water heaters, sewage lines, and more call Met-Plumbing today for a consultation.