Summer is here, and the cookouts have begun. Although most people consider the freezing temperatures of winter to be the most trying time of year for plumbing, summer creates its share of plumbing issues. Don’t let a plumbing disaster ruin your summer fun. Read on to learn how to fix common summer plumbing issues.
Clogged Garbage Disposal :
Warm weather means more cookouts and fresh produce. Some of the most common ingredients people dispose of at cookouts are specifically what shouldn’t go in your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are made to handle small scraps of food. Avoid putting larger items like corn husks, watermelon rinds, banana peels, bones, or especially fat and grease into your garbage disposal. All of these common summer foods can cause significant issues with your disposal, both by damaging the blades and by causing nasty clogs.
Sewer Line Backups :
During the summer, excess rain can seep into cracks in sewer lines which can cause the sewer line to back up. Also, the summer is when trees and other plants grow the most. As a plant grows, its roots can impede on or crack sewer lines, creating issues with pipes. Stay attuned to tell-tale signs of an issue such as water backing up into other drains in the house like a bathtub or sink.
Clogged Toilets :
Summer vacation means kids are around the house more. More friends and family visitors add additional demand to the toilets. Teach children the proper amount of toilet paper to use, and to avoid placing items that don’t belong down the toilet. Consider keeping a plunger in each bathroom for easy access.
Additional Dirt and Sand in Drains :
Summer fun can often be dirty. Whether you’re at the beach or riding your dirt bike, all that dirt and grime ends up somewhere. To avoid the risk of draining issues, consider hosing off most of the sand and dirt outside before showering or bathing indoors.
Washing Machine Demands :
Summertime often brings more laundry, especially for those with children or hosting extra guests. Consider staying at home while washing laundry. That way, if a problem occurs, you will be home to stop the machine and prevent any potential water damage.
Consider doing laundry during the cooler times of the day to avoid creating additional heat in your home. The extra heat and humidity generated by running these appliances combined with high temperatures outdoors can cause increased work for the cooling system of your home.
Occasionally check the hose of the washing machine, looking for bulging or cracks, and be sure to clean the lint trap of the dryer after every load.
Clogged Sprinklers:
If you have a sprinkler system in your lawn, consider inspecting it before using it for the first time this summer. Make sure that the heads are clear of debris and unclogged. Always lower the sprinklers before mowing the yard to be sure to avoid damaging them. To conserve water, be sure to turn off the sprinklers when it is raining or when watering is unnecessary.
Opt for the Dishwasher :
It might sound surprising, but studies show that doing dishes by hand uses more water than using an energy-efficient dishwasher. Like the washing machine, be sure to run the dishwasher during the cooler times of day, and be sure to run it when you are home. That way, if there are any clogs or water backs up, you will be able to shut off the cycle before a mess (and potential water damage) can occur.
