When was the last time you examined your home’s outdoor drains, faucets, hose bibs, and septic system? Fixing and maintaining these outdoor plumbing fixtures may not be your favorite summer pastime, but you should give them a little attention to prevent problems from developing.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance Tips
It doesn’t take much to keep your outdoor fixtures performing their best. You won’t regret adding these items to your list of summer home maintenance tasks:
- Check outdoor faucets: Turn on all the faucets to make sure the water flows freely. Do this occasionally throughout the summer to ensure no problems are developing. Then, when the temperature starts to drop in the fall, remember to winterize your outdoor faucets and pipes to prevent them from freezing.
- Inspect outdoor drains: Make sure your gutters, downspouts, window wells, and yard drains are free of leaves and other debris. Clean them out regularly to ensure proper drainage when it rains. Also, check for animal nests that may be obstructing the dryer exhaust and plumbing vent pipes.
- Address your septic system: Properties with septic systems should be inspected and pumped every three to five years. Maintain a record of these visits so you can schedule them at the right time and avoid system malfunctions. Repairing or replacing a neglected septic system could cost thousands of dollars, an expense you can avoid with simple maintenance.
When to Schedule Outdoor Plumbing Fixture Repair or Replacement
Constant exposure to the elements can make outdoor fixtures wear out sooner than indoor plumbing, even with proper maintenance. They may be out of sight, out of mind in the winter, but you’re likely to use your outdoor fixtures more during the summer. When you do, watch for these signs that you may need repair or replacement services:
- Drips and leaks: In addition to wasting water, dripping outdoor faucets and leaky pipe joints can weaken your foundation.
- Hard water buildup: Look for white, chalky residue that could impede the flow of water from an outdoor faucet.
- Rusty hose bibs: Rust may prevent a tight connection when you attach a garden hose, resulting in leaks and wasted water.
- Low water pressure: A barely dripping faucet could mean debris is blocking the opening. It’s also possible that the pipe behind the faucet is cracked and needs to be repaired.
- Puddles in the yard: If you find standing water on your property, this could signal a problem with your yard’s drainage. You may need to have existing drains unclogged or look into having new drains installed.
Plumbing work of any kind can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Rather than risk making the problem worse, let Puget Sound Plumbing & Heating handle the job. We can repair and install plumbing fixtures all over your house, including on the exterior. If you spot signs of damage, or you need help maintaining your outdoor fixtures, please call us today at (206) 350-0079 or contact us online.