With summer officially here, your mind may be on family vacations, lounging by the pool, hosting barbecues, and soaking up the sun as often as work may allow. But summer weather can be extreme and dealing with plumbing issues is the last thing you want to deal with on a hot summer day. Get your home ready for the heat with these plumbing summer survival tips.
Fun in the Sun
Summertime calls for backyard BBQ’s and pool parties. With friends and family visiting for some summer fun occasions, that means the use of your home plumbing increases. Typically, we are not too concerned about plumbing issues until it is too late, so here are a few things to look out for, especially if you plan on having guests over during the summer.
- Avoid toilet clogs by flushing only what is meant to be flushed. Toilet paper and human waste. That is it.
- Certain foods don’t belong down the drain. That includes grease, celery, onion peels, lettuce, pasta, potatoes, rice, coffee, bones.
- The tub will not drain. Chances are that having more people over in your home also means more people showering. As a precaution, use a strainer to catch hair before it goes down the drain to prevent the bathtub from being clogged.
The Laundry That Never Ends
You are not the only one who might need a break from doing laundry – your washing machine might need one too! Summertime brings a ton of dirt and, as a result, laundry, too. The kids are playing outside, we get dirty from the yard and garden or other projects, guests visit, everyone is dirty and sweaty, then showers and change of clothes. Be sure to give the washing machine a break and visually inspect the hoses and machine. The lifetime of a washing machine hose should be replaced approximately every 3 years.
Vacation Time
If you plan on going on vacation, consider the following before you hop on a plane or take a road trip to your summer vacation.
- Turn off the water. While you’re away, turn off the main water valve to avoid potential accidents.
- Drain the sprinkler system. This will save you money on your water bill while on vacation.
- Adjust the water heater. Set your water heater to the lowest setting possible to keep your energy bill low.
- Clean the gutters. The gutters are meant for draining rainwater from the roof and it’s important they can handle the summer rain while you’re away.
- Do landscaping. Do you have trees planted in your front lawn? Any type of tree growth has potential for roots to make their way to your sewer line in search of water.
Check for Leaks
Leaks quickly add up to wasted water and increasing water bills. To check for hidden leaks that can turn into major plumbing problems, try checking the water meter at a time when you are not using water (usually overnight). If the meter moves, this might be an indicator that something is leaking and will need to be fixed right away. From the inside out, be sure to check the sprinklers, pools, garden hoses, to the faucets, toilets, and showerheads.
Be Water Wise
Having a steady supply of clean water is a privilege we often take for granted. By reducing water consumption at home, you are not only saving money but also benefiting the environment. Here are some water saving tips.
- Turn off faucets. Start saving by breaking a bad habit of letting the water run while you are brushing your teeth, washing your hands or face, shaving, or doing the dishes
- Shorten your showers. An easy way to do this is simply setting a timer to get your shower done quicker.
- Pool cover up. Not only does a cover retain heated pool’s temperature, but it reduces evaporation.
- Capture rainwater. You can use a bucket to store rainwater and use in the garden.
We provide professional plumbing services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Southern Florida. At Need a Plumber, Inc. We take COVID-19 seriously and in order to protect our employees and clients we follow all CDC recommended guidelines. We provide fast response time, competitive rates, and reliable service. Need A Plumber? Schedule an appointment today and call us at 954-445-6443 or use our contact form.
