The Top Plumbing Upgrades for Warm Weather

What are the top warm-weather plumbing projects? With summer on the horizon, you may be ready to plan a few home improvement upgrades. Before you pick a project or two, take a look at what you should know about the top plumbing services to choose from.



Exterior Faucet Upgrade

A worn faucet that drips constantly can leak up to 3,000 gallons of water annually, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An exterior faucet leak can cost you unnecessary utility bills. Beyond the added cost of the wasted water, a steady drip can damage nearby outdoor accents, rotting wood on your home, rust growth, or other types of issues. 

If your hose hook-up or other exterior faucets leak, do not turn on or off easily, have visible damage, or have signs of wear like rust or corrosion, it may be time for an upgrade. You can schedule a service call with your local plumber before the summer gets underway.

This type of early summer replacement can cut your water cost and give you an entire season of mess-free outdoor faucet use.

Gas Piping Projects

The summer grilling season is almost here. Are you ready to upgrade from a portable charcoal or propane grill to a more permanent gas model? Plumbers don't just work on or install pipes.

Professional plumbing contractors also offer a gas line or gas piping services. Whether your yard is equipped to accommodate a gas grill or the line is old and in questionable condition, a plumber can help.

Natural gas is a convenient grilling option that eliminates the need for bulky containers of propane or another portable fuel source. If you don't already have the right type of line, you may need help from a professional.

When used correctly, natural gas is a safe way to grill. Failure to install a line the right way or connect the gas source to the grill could pose a serious home hazard. This means you should avoid do-it-yourself installation approaches.

Main Shut-Off Valve Replacement

The main shut-off valve is what the name implies: This valve controls the flow of water or gas into your home. Although you may not tend to use these valves, you may need them in an emergency. A burst pipe or other serious leak can damage your home's interior or exterior. If you can't immediately fix the problem, you will need to stop the flow at the main shut-off point.

A worn, rusted, or damaged valve may not turn the way it is supposed to. Without the ability to quickly cut the water or gas supply, your home is in potential harm. While summer isn't the only time to replace a worn shut-off valve, it provides an opportunity to choose this plumbing upgrade, especially if the valve is located on or near the exterior of your home or in an unheated space.

Water Heater Replacement

Hot showers and baths are not the most desirable summertime activities, but this doesn't mean you won't need to heat your home's water in the warm weather months. An increase in outdoor activities could leave your family's clothes muck-covered and grass-stained. A hot water wash could help remove debris and keep your kids clean all season long.

If your hot water heater is old, damaged, worn, or doesn't fully warm the water, it may be time for a replacement. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average lifespan of a residential conventional hot water heater is six to 12 years.

If your appliance is at the upper end of this age, you may want to consider a summer-time replacement. Not only will this help you to remove stains in the washing machine, but you will also need hot water to wash dirty dishes after summer-time get-togethers or fill up your child's outdoor paddling pool. 

Kitchen Sink Clog Repair

Is your kitchen sink slow to drain? Even though you may grill outside during the summer months, meal prep starts in the kitchen. Thick potato skins, fat cuts from steaks, corn, and other warm weather menu picks can add to a kitchen sink clog. While these and other items should not go into your sink's drain, sometimes a few leftovers sneak through. 

If your summer picnic, barbeque, and party prep have left the kitchen sink with a standing pool of water, it may be time to call a professional. Store-bought drain cleaners can leave behind a chemical residue, can ruin pipes, and may not completely clear a drain. Therefore, you should skip the DIY methods and go straight to a contractor for help. 

If you are ready to schedule a residential plumbing service, contact Jim Dhamer Plumbing and Sewer, Inc., and give us a call at 630-964-2222 for more information about our services. We are ready to assist you with plumbing improvements and updates for the summer months.