Our homes shelter us from the harsh effects of the seasons and the environment. Living in one ensures that we don’t have to suffer conditions such as brutal storms, extreme heat, or freezing cold weather. All that stops once we are safe inside our comfortable abodes.
Unfortunately, the effects of the environment still take its toll on the outside of our homes, especially our outdoor fixtures. It’s easy to neglect the outdoor plumbing since they don’t offer immediate comfort as an indoor fixture would.
Unseen and often overlooked, outdoor fixtures are just as important to maintain. Luckily, plumbing issues can be caught early if proper care is established. Read on to learn more about caring for your outdoor fixtures today!
Common Fixture Repair Issues
Generally speaking, the two biggest concerns you’re going to have for your outdoor fixtures are rust and leaks. Because fixtures like faucets, sprinklers, and hoses are all exposed to the elements, they’re also susceptible to rust buildup.
While it’s a small issue at first, it can easily deteriorate connections and culminate in leaks. One tip all homeowners can implement in their home is to inspect fixtures monthly.
Open your faucet, connect a hose to your spigot, and run your sprinklers. If anything is not working as it should, a repair issue is on the horizon.
How to Check Your Outdoor Plumbing
Some of the biggest problems you may face as a homeowner are the ones you don’t see until the damage is done. Outdoor plumbing can be extremely unforgivable if left unchecked.
An in-ground irrigation system with a hole the size of a ballpoint pen can waste approximately 6,300 gallons of water per month, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The winter season is when the damage often takes place so make sure to check your system every spring. Another type of outdoor plumbing to look out for would be the plumbing to and from your home. Since it lies underground, your best chances of catching a leak would be to spot any differences in the color of your grass.
There are other areas that are showing signs of wetness which can be spotted as well. Be aware of any burrowing vermin in your yard as well. They have the potential to damage the areas where the pipes lay which can cause a leak to spring if the soil shifts.
Outdoor Fixture Installation
It’s not ideal to have to replace any outdoor fixtures. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever so knowing when you need a new outdoor fixture is very important.
The signs associated with bad fixtures can lead to property damage, which is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Watch out for these signs:
Puddles of water around fixtures.- Loose or bad connections.
- Water leaks at plumbing joints.
- No water pressure (especially with sprinklers).
- Overly lush lawn or landscaping.
If you notice any of these problems listed, call a plumber immediately. While things like overly lush grass may not seem like a bad thing, it could actually be a sign of a plumbing leak. By working with our expert staff at Paul The Plumber, you can avoid emergencies and keep your yard the oasis you’ve always wanted it to be.
