Increased Temperatures Can Increase Problems
Did you know how the weather affects your plumbing? Every year the seasons change, and so does the way your plumbing works. The colder months can freeze and shatter pipes, causing severe leaks that can completely overhaul your plumbing system. On the other hand, overexposure to high temperatures can cause pipes to expand, causing them to burst or leak. But, the warmer months bring a unique set of problems that homeowners need to be aware of.
Clogged Garbage Disposals
Summertime is for pool parties, block parties, backyard barbecues and other food-related activities. If you’re not careful with the food you throw down your sink, you could clog or damage the blades of your garbage disposal. Hard produce, meaty bones, melon rinds, oils, fats and meat grease can all cause a clog. This is why it’s essential to make sure you’re disposing of food properly and know what can and cannot go down your disposal to help keep it running correctly. To help prevent a backup, run cold water for a few seconds before and after using your garbage disposal.
Clogged Toilets
School’s out for summer, which means the toilet will be getting a lot more action throughout the day. The more a toilet is used, the more likely it is to get clogged. These extra flushes can cause wear and tear on flappers, chains and handles. To save your toilet from an unwanted nasty clog, practice proper toilet etiquette in your home, like using only a few pieces of toilet paper, flushing foreign objects, like foods, toys or baby wipes.
Indoor and Outdoor Leaks
Indoor and outdoor leaks can be caused by a number of things. Dry ground causes the sewer line to settle and break, so long periods without rain can potentially cause a shift in your home’s foundation causing disconnections or ruptured pipes. Unexpected downpours can quickly turn into a flooding problem. When water pushes through plumbing parts at high speeds, it puts a lot of stress on your system that can also cause a leak or even a pipe to burst.
Sump Pumps
If you have a basement, it’s important to keep up with your sump pump. Sump pumps keep your basement dry during intense summer rains. That is why it is important to maintain your sump pumps because you could be left with a significant amount of standing water in your basement if it breaks.
Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Car washes, slip and slides and other outdoor activities requiring water faucet use frequently happen during summer months. And, a lot of the time, these outdoor faucets get forgotten about once everyone goes inside. A leaking faucet can waste gallons of water, and this waste can increase your utility bill. So, it’s important to ensure your faucet is sealed tightly to the wall and that the rubber washer stays in good condition.
Sewer Line Backup
During the summer months, the rainwater soaks into the ground and seeps into the sewage system via cracks in the pipes and drains, bringing soil and sediment with it. This increases the risk of sewage line backups. Worse still, tree roots may crack the pipes, causing problems with drainage. Tree roots can also penetrate your main sewer lines looking for water and nutrients. This creates tiny cracks in the pipes that release wastewater into the soil.
Are You Experiencing A Common Summer Plumbing Problem?
If you have a plumbing problem you can’t fix yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional. We can help you with any of these common summer plumbing problems. Just give us a call! We can help you fix the problem and teach you how to avoid it.