How To Avoid Common Summer Plumbing Issues

Do not put fruit rinds down the garbage disposal.

While some websites and bloggers tell readers that fruit rinds in the garbage disposal can give off a beautiful natural fragrance, it may also be detrimental to the garbage disposal itself. Make sure to remind children that fruit rinds should go in the compost bin or trash to help extend the life of the disposal and avoid a plumbing issue.

Do not overload the washing machine.

With more family and company at the home and enjoying the outdoors during the summer, it can mean more laundry, and the washing machine is likely working harder than it does the rest of the year. To be proactive in protecting the washer from becoming a summer plumbing issue, take care to regularly check the hoses and be sure not to overload the machine.

Be smart with toilet paper use.

When school is out for the summer, children are at home for many more hours per day than during the school year, and that means higher usage of the toilet. Be proactive by buying one ply toilet paper and reminding the family not to use more than necessary to avoid clogs and overflowing toilets.

Pick up hair from the floor of the shower, bath, and sinks.

It is estimated that most individuals lose anywhere between fifty to one hundred strands of hair a day. If you have company visiting for the summer and the bathroom is seeing more traffic than usual, it is a good idea to remind users to pick up any strands of hair left behind in the shower, bathtub, or sinks to keep drains from becoming slow, clogged, or backing up.

Watch drains for slowness or clogs that are not hair related.

In the Texas summer months, the grass, plants, and trees are in full bloom and their roots are taking the path of least resistance to find an adequate water source to sustain them. Unfortunately, a leaking pipe could be just the source they find, which can in turn cause their roots to grow into the pipes and create damaging blockages.

Keep an eye on water pressure.

While it is thought of as more of a winter-related nuisance, cracked or busted pipes can occur in the summer too, although for different reasons. With warmer temperatures outside, a home’s sprinklers, garden hoses, and pools can put extra pressure and stress on pipes, causing an already strained or weakened pipe to leak or crack. A dip in the home’s water pressure can be a sign of a problem like this. If low water pressure becomes a problem, it is a good idea to call a plumber to avoid a problem from quickly escalating.

Make a plumbing-friendly plan for vacation.

For individuals planning to be away from their home for more than a couple of days, it can be a good idea to put some preventative measures in place to avoid plumbing issues on the return home. This may include turning off the water to the house before leaving and draining any water still left in the pipes. It can also be a good idea to have a neighbor check on the house from time to time while you are gone to ensure there are no leaks or busted pipes that could be causing water damage in your absence.

Find a good plumber.

When it comes to how to avoid common summer plumbing issues, perhaps the most proactive step an individual can take is to find a trusted and reputable plumbing company before disaster strikes. Look for a provider that is licensed, certified, insured and offers years of combined experience with residential and commercial properties.