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Summer Plumbing Issues

April 16, 2019

Summer Plumbing Issues

Good news – summer is on the way! Bad news – new plumbing issues might arise. Backyard pool parties, cookouts, and sprinkler systems are fun summer activities, but your plumbing might be suffering from all the extra use. The below tips will help you prep your home and plumbing systems for summer, so that you can enjoy the warm weather activities without any downtown.

Clogged Toilets

With kids not in school and friends coming by for backyard parties, your toilets will be working harder and getting more use. Make sure to teach your friends and family – especially children – not to waste toilet paper by using too much. It’s also a valuable lesson to teach girls what sanitary products go down the toilet and which do not.

Sewer Line Blockages

Sewers can start to backup during rain storms when the ground becomes too saturated to handle more water. Try to service your sewer lines before the summer starts so you can avoid problems. And while they are being serviced, we recommend having a drain plug in each drain installed, as this can prevent water from backing up during storms. Installing a drain plug is a simple and affordable process.

Sprinkler Head Issues

Sprinkler heads, used for automatic sprinkler systems, are known to break over time and use. Broken sprinkler heads waste water and can cause your grass to die. Before the summer season starts, make sure to fix any broken sprinkler heads. You can remove the old heads and take them to a hardware store so you can purchase an exact replacement.

Washing Machine Hose Leaks

It’s common for washing machines to be use more often in the summer months, especially if you have kids who like to play outside and change into new clothing before going back out. Plus, you might be adding more pool and beach towels to your laundry much more often. To prevent any flooding from your washing machine, check the hoses, which are located at the back of the machine. If you have to replace the washing machine hose, spend a little extra money and get a stainless steel hose. These last a lot longer than rubber hoses and you won’t have to replace it again for a long time.

Garbage Disposal Clogs

With all the barbecues going on and guests running around your house, your garbage disposal will be getting a lot of use. Luckily, garbage disposal clogs are preventable. Try to avoid flushing rinds and coffee grounds down the sink, as well as grease and oil. If you notice your garbage disposal starts to develop a block, you can flush it with a mix of vinegar and boiling water.

We hope your summer is full of fun activities that don’t involve having to call a plumber. But if you do need an expert, you can call 1st Choice Plumbing Heating and Air to be sure the job will be done properly and quickly.