Responsible Homeowners Check Outdoor Fixtures
Summer is a great time of the year and a season that many of us look forward to for months, but it also has its downsides. With heavy rains and thunderstorms, droughts, extreme heat and humidity, bugs and scorching sun, summer comes with more than just pool parties and vacations.
The summer months can be especially hard on your outdoor fixtures, which are often the last thing on your mind during this fun but busy time. So, in the midst of your sometimes chaotic summer schedule, take some time this year to check on and maintain your outdoor plumbing.
Don’t Overlook Fixture Repair
Whether it needs to be repainted, cleaned, have a bulb replaced or be remounted, outdoor fixtures often get overlooked on the home to-do list. Yet, many of these repairs are quick and easy but will add to the outdoor appeal of your home.
Further, if the repairs needed are keeping your fixtures from working, making the repairs can help make your home safer and more protected.
So, whatever the maintenance - from cleaning to painting - take a few minutes and repair your outdoor fixtures. Not only will this have your fixtures looking better, but getting them in good shape will also help prepare them to weather the summer conditions.
Check Your Outdoor Plumbing
Another thing that is often overlooked is outdoor plumbing. Most of us pay little or no attention to outdoor faucets, pipes or sprinkler heads except when there is some sort of major problem with them.
Help protect your yard, home, and water bills this year by checking your outdoor plumbing. A quick inspection to ensure that there are no leaky pipes or faucets and that everything is working and draining correctly could save you a major headache in the future.
If you’re not sure where to begin, simply call a plumber to schedule maintenance and inspection. Too often outdoor plumbing is overlooked and neglected, which can lead to big problems.
It Might be Time to Replace Outdoor Fixtures
Even when they’re well maintained, your outdoor fixtures undergo a lot of wear and tear. As a result, at some point, your efforts to repair them are likely going to be unsuccessful, and it will simply be time to replace them.
Here are a few things you can look for to indicate it’s time for a replacement:
Substantial rust: while you can paint over this, if your fixture is fully rusted it’s time to replace it- Not quality components: if your fixture is plastic, composite or aluminum and is in need of substantial repairs, it probably will make sense to simply replace it (in contrast, if it’s brass or copper, it might be worth doing more substantial repairs)
- There are major wiring or connection issues: these can be a safety issue and should, at the very least, be inspected by a professional before attempting repairs
If your outdoor fixtures are in need of repair or replacement or if you have any questions about them, call Laney's Inc. today at (701) 237-0543. We’re happy to inspect, maintain, repair or replace your fixtures and plumbing to ensure that your home is ready for summer.
