Summer is upon us. The good: barbecues, vacation, the beach, leisurely afternoons swinging in a hammock, sunshine, rest and relaxation.
The bad: heat waves, mosquitoes, flooding, destructive storms, monsoon-like rain, high winds, droughts, and ants.
The ugly: damage to our outdoor plumbing fixtures, which have fallen by the wayside while we were distracted by more pressing issues, like protecting our homes from storms, high winds, and other unpleasantries.
More often than not, our outdoor plumbing fixtures take a backseat when we prioritize our home maintenance and repairs. Unfortunately, this can be a recipe for disaster. You need to become an ally and protector of your outdoor plumbing fixtures.
Fixture Repair: Look Around
When you have a spare afternoon and the weather is good, take a pen and pad and survey your property. List all of your outdoor fixtures; sure, you’ll remember your pool, but it’s easy to forget the hose next to the garage, and it’s important to list everything.
Take the time to test each fixture. Turn every tap on and off. Conduct a thorough visual examination and note down any abnormalities such as rust, cracks or corrosion. Carefully evaluate your water bill. Yes, it will probably spike during the summer months, but is it unusually high?
This could indicate a leak in your sprinkler system, your pool, or even your hose bib. Relay all of this information to a plumbing expert sooner rather than later so that the necessary repairs and preventative measures can be taken before the plumbing fixture fails.
Outdoor Plumbing: Don’t Wait
Undoubtedly, you are already quite busy with home upkeep during the summer months. As a result, many of us unintentionally ignore and neglect our outdoor plumbing fixtures for more pressing issues.
This is a serious and costly mistake. Doing an evaluation of your outdoor plumbing fixtures may take an hour or two if you do a thorough job, including a visual exam as well as testing each feature as described above, but it’s an excellent way to note any fixtures that are in need of a plumbing expert’s attention.
If you don’t do an evaluation or inspect your outdoor plumbing fixtures, you will have little to no warning when something does go awry. Whether it’s a pipe that goes from leaking to rushing water or a small puddle under a faucet that turns into a virtual pond in your yard - don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Call a professional while a small repair will do the trick.
Outdoor Fixture Installation: Recognizing When it’s Time
To repair or replace - that is the question.
What are some of the telltale signs that your outdoor plumbing fixture is in need of total replacement and is beyond repair?
Discolored water running from any tap or pipe- Leaks that increase in strength despite repair attempts
- Rusty, oxidized, decrepit fixtures
- Fixtures that are 50 years old (or older)
- Any spigot or faucet that is leaking from the spout itself
Remember, it’s your responsibility to keep your outdoor plumbing fixtures in the same pristine condition as your indoor plumbing fixtures, even if the summer is keeping you busy. Call RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today at (908) 226-1616 to schedule an appointment today.
