Need summer plumbing tips to keep you out of hot water? Neglecting your plumbing system leads to leaky pipes, costly water bills and perhaps even water damage to your home. Stay ahead of the maintenance game this summer by employing these tips:
- Heading out of town? Remember to shut off the home's main water supply valve. The chances are small, but if a pipe were to burst while you were away, you'd come home to a very hefty water bill and significant water damage. Be sure that you also turn off the water heater, as even in vacation mode, the system will cycle on. With no water flowing to the unit, the chances of fire increases, along with damage to the system itself.
- Too much rain? Remember that your sewer line can back up when there's a deluge of rain. Sewer lines with small cracks are particularly vulnerable, allowing the force of rainwater to infiltrate the pipes. A fresh supply of water also means tree roots are thriving. Tree roots and sewer pipes don't mix. It's important to ensure that you schedule regular maintenance in the summer and have a professional take a look at the pipe's condition using a drain camera.
- Running the garbage disposal? In summer, this handy unit often works in overdrive, grinding up veggies and other food scraps as you prepare barbecues and other summertime meals. Avoid putting fibrous foods down the drain, as well as egg shells, oils and fats. Run the cold water for a few seconds before starting the disposal, and keep the water running until the disposal completely shuts off.
- Washing clothes? Keep in mind that the clothes washer often gets used more frequently, as your family changes clothes more often, you wash swimming and beach towels or you launder curtains and small areas rugs. Keep an eye on the hoses, and make sure they aren't kinked. You should also have new hoses installed every three years or so.
- Have you checked the gutters? One of the best ways to avoid water in the basement involves keeping water moving away from the home's foundation. When gutters are full or downspouts aren't in the right place, water will seep into the ground next to the foundation and cause problems.
- Using more water? This is a common occurrence in the summer, with sprinklers running and outdoor plants and landscaping needing water. Scheduling a regular maintenance appointment with your plumber ensures that all of your plumbing systems are operating efficiently. A check-up also helps you avoid burst pipes and costly leaks, as the plumber can identify potential problems early on.
Use these summer plumbing tips to get the most of out the season, avoid costly water bills and prevent damage to your home. For answers to your plumbing questions and concerns, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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