It's that time of year again! The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, which can only mean one thing: It's time to start thinking about home improvement projects!
And what better place to start than with your plumbing. Summer is the perfect time to tackle those plumbing projects you've been putting off all winter.
In this article, we are going to share the five reasons you should consider home improvement this summer and 5 plumbing projects that are most often done in the summer months.
5 Reasons To Make Improvements This Summer
Warmer Weather Is More Comfortable
Warmer weather makes it more comfortable to work. If you have worked outside with water in the winter, you understand how much nicer it is to get a project done during the warmer months.
Save Money
Many home service companies and home improvement stores have seasonal discounts during the summer months. Doing your project in the summer means you can take advantage of these seasonal discounts on materials and labor.
The Bad News
It's a little-known fact, but plumbing problems tend to be more prevalent in the summer months, so it's best to get ahead of them.
Quicker Turnaround
Did you know that summer is traditionally a slower time for plumbers? This is good news for homeowners who hate waiting. You will be more likely to be able to get an appointment quickly.
Less Worry
Getting your plumbing projects done now will give you one less thing to worry about come wintertime. There is nothing worse than realizing as the weather gets colder and plumbers get busier that you are going to need to call a plumber. Do it now and let that worry go.
Five Common Summer Plumbing Projects
Alright, you are convinced. What project should you take on this summer? Here are some of the most common summer plumbing projects. Some of these are projects you can take on yourself and some of these projects you will need assistance for.
1. Clearing Drains
Do you have a drain near your pool or at the bottom of your basement stairs that clogs every year? This is a great time to clean out the drain. For the most part, these outside drains are relatively minor fixes, but sometimes you will find it is clogged much further back. Our team specializes in drain cleaning. Give us a call if you need assistance.
2. Repair Leaks
There are many projects we believe homeowners are capable of. But most plumbing projects should be left to the professionals. If you decide to make a repair, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Turn off the water source before starting,
Flush the pipes after turning off the water, and most importantly
If your repair requires replacing a portion of the pipe, keep in mind that one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make with plumbing is to interrupt the grounding that is provided by plumbing.
Unless you are 100% sure you understand the dangers you face, then call a plumber to replace any pipes
3. Repair/Replace Fixtures
One of the easiest plumbing projects for an experienced DIY homeowner is to replace the faucets in their sinks and showers. There are so many beautiful choices these days and they can make a big difference in giving your kitchen or bath a little bit of a refresh.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
There is an unwritten rule that pipes only burst when they can cause the most damage. That's why insulating your pipes in the summertime is a great idea. Insulating them now may save you thousands of dollars on that winter vacation week when you are skiing your little heart out completely oblivious to the fact that a pipe has burst in your basement.
5. Check For Water Damage
Now that it is warm outside, it is a good time to go around your house to check for water damage. Anything you find should be repaired and investigated. What caused the damage? Does water outside need to be rerouted? Do you need to waterproof the basement? Or do you have a slow leak you are not aware of?
Bonus Project- Outdoor Shower
We know we only promised you 5 projects for the summer but consider this a bonus, like the bonus of having an outdoor shower. Can't you just see yourself enjoying your morning shower in your beautiful new outdoor shower? No? Okay, how about these two scenarios. Imagine your kids have an outdoor shower to remove all that mud and gunk before they track it through the house. Or better yet, imagine not having dog hair all over your bathroom because Fido gets washed outside. How does that sound?
No matter what project you decide to tackle, don't wait until the last minute to get started. The sooner you get your plumbing projects done, the better off you'll be all summer long!
Need help with a plumbing project, give us a call today at (410) 768-5350.