Compared to the other three seasons, summer can feel really busy. You’ve got barbeques and baseball games, plus an awful lot to take care of around your home.
Heat can bring droughts, but summer can also have tumultuous rains that bring down tree branches and power lines. Extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on your deck and your landscaping, and don’t even get us started on the bugs. Getting rid of insects and other pests can be a fulltime job in the summer!
You have a lot of home maintenance jobs on your list already, but don’t forget to perform regular maintenance on your outdoor light and plumbing fixtures. It doesn’t take much time to keep them performing their best, so give them a little attention too.
Signs You Need Fixture Repair
A lot of the outdoor fixtures you have can include things like sinks, hose bibs, and even water fountains, that all add to the aesthetic and convenience of your yard.
But like the plumbing inside your home, you need to be sure you’re paying attention to those fixtures before you find yourself with a plumbing emergency on your hands.
Common signs of damaged fixtures include leaky pipes, rusted hose connections, low water pressure, and puddling where there should be no standing water.
While many of these issues are out of sight and out of mind, it’s still important to be proactive about repairs to avoid any major emergencies down the road.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance
Maintaining your plumbing probably isn’t your favorite way to spend a beautiful summer afternoon, but spending a little time on regular maintenance will prevent some major issues from starting.
When you turn on your outdoor faucets, check the water flow. If very little water is coming out, you may have a cracked pipe. You shouldn’t ignore big problems like this because leaks can cause devastating damage inside your walls if you leave them for too long.
If your water flow varies from day to day, you might have a blockage in your pipe. Clearing a blockage in your outdoor spigot isn’t as easy to DIY as improving the flow in your interior drains. You may need professional help if you suspect a blockage.
Prevent blockages from happening by covering drains and spigots when they’re not in use. It’s dirty outside, so it doesn’t take long for dirt, leaves, feathers, and insects to set up shop in your drains.
Outdoor Fixture Installation and Replacement
If the previous homeowners installed outdoor fixtures before you moved in years ago, then they might be aged beyond repair. Here are some signs to look for to determine if you need to install new ones:
- Extensive rust or deterioration
- Mold growth
- Hard water scale
- Low water pressure
- Water leaks around seals and joints
