Summer is finally here, and while it brings warm weather and sunny days, it also brings its fair share of plumbing nightmares. Imagine enjoying a backyard barbecue with friends, only to have your outdoor sink suddenly become a fountain of chaos. Or picture yourself lounging by the pool, only to discover that your bathroom drain is backing up, threatening to turn your oasis into a nightmare. But fear not because, in this blog post, we will dive into the seven most common plumbing problems that crop up during the summer months and, most importantly, reveal how to avoid them.
1. Clogged Disposal
One of the most common culprits that can lead to clogged disposal is improper food waste disposal. Corn cobs, melon rinds, fruit stones, and meat grease should always be in your disposal unit. These items can easily get stuck, causing blockages, leading to backups and unpleasant odors.
To prevent such issues, it’s crucial to take a few simple precautions. Firstly, always remember to run cold water for a few seconds before and after using your garbage disposal. This helps flush away debris and keeps the disposal blades clean and clear. Additionally, cutting larger food items into smaller pieces before disposing of them is advisable, reducing the risk of clogs.
2. Clogged Toilets
During the summer, your home’s bathrooms become popular for kids and their friends. With more people using the toilets, there is a higher chance of clogs. Flushing excessive toilet paper, facial tissues, or even toys down the toilet can quickly lead to blockages. Educating your children and their friends about what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet is important to avoid unnecessary plumbing problems.
The added flushes from increased usage can also contribute to wear and tear on your toilet’s internal components. Flappers, chains, and handles may need to work harder to handle the increased workload, which can lead to malfunctions and the need for repairs. Regular maintenance and inspections by a professional plumber can help catch any potential issues before they escalate into major problems.
3. Sprinkler Issues
The most prevalent issue faced by in-ground sprinkler systems during summer is damage to the sprinkler heads. With more people enjoying the outdoors, the chances of an accidental footfall on the sprinkler heads increase significantly. This can result in cracked or broken heads, leading to leaks that can remain undetected for a considerable time. Since sprinkler heads are designed to spray water, it can be difficult to notice such leaks immediately. However, the consequences of a leaking sprinkler head will eventually be evident on your utility bill.
A leaking sprinkler head can cause a substantial increase in water usage, resulting in a higher utility bill. As water continuously seeps out from the damaged head, your lawn may receive more water than necessary, leading to wastage and an inflated water bill. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and save on unnecessary expenses.
4. Slow Draining Showers
Sand, dirt, and tiny bits of beach debris easily find their way into your shower drain, causing it to clog over time. When these particles accumulate, they create a barrier restricting the water flow, resulting in slow draining showers. While it may be tempting to reach for chemical clog removers as a quick fix, they only provide temporary relief and can potentially damage your pipes in the long run. Instead, it’s best to tackle the issue head-on using safer and more sustainable methods.
One effective approach to resolving slow draining showers is to snake your drain. A plumbing snake, or a drain auger, is a simple tool that can help clear any obstructions in your shower drain. By inserting the snake into the drain and maneuvering it through the pipes, you can break up and remove the debris causing the blockage. This method often successfully restores normal water flow and prevents further problems.
5. Overloaded Washing Machines
Overuse and overloading your washing machine can lead to a common summer plumbing problem – leaks in the hose. Not only can a hose leak increase your water bill, but it can also flood your home. The good news is that fixing a hose leak in a washing machine is easy and can be done in just about five minutes.
During the summer, it’s common to have a pile of dirty clothes after a day filled with outdoor adventures. As a result, we tend to cram as much as we can into our washing machines to get everything clean quickly. However, this can strain the machine excessively, causing it to work harder than it should. Overloading your washing machine compromises its performance and increases the likelihood of a hose leak.
6. Sump Pump
During the summer months, heavy rainstorms are not uncommon. These downpours can quickly saturate the ground around your home, causing water to seep into your basement. Without a functioning sump pump, this water can accumulate and lead to serious damage. From ruined furniture and appliances to the growth of mold and mildew, a flooded basement can be a costly and hazardous problem.
To avoid such issues, it is crucial to understand the importance of regular sump pump maintenance. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your sump pump is in optimal working condition throughout the summer season.
Make it a habit to inspect your sump pump regularly. Check for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, loose connections, or debris buildup. Test the pump by pouring water into the sump pit and observing if it activates properly. If you notice any issues during the inspection or testing, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber for repairs or maintenance. Hire an expert to repair water meters in Oslo via Vannmåler Oslo.
7. Outdoor Faucet Leaks
A leaking outdoor faucet may seem minor, but it can waste an astounding amount of water. A single leaking faucet can waste up to 90 gallons of water daily. Not only is this detrimental to the environment, but it can also significantly impact your utility bills.
To avoid the unnecessary wastage of water and the subsequent increase in your bills, it’s important to ensure that your outdoor faucet is properly maintained. One of the first steps you can take is to make sure the faucet is tightly sealed to the wall. Over time, the connection between the faucet and the wall may loosen, allowing water to leak out. By inspecting and securing this connection, you can prevent leaks from occurring.
In the end,
Summer may bring its fair share of plumbing nightmares, but proper knowledge and preventive measures can easily avoid these problems. By being aware of the seven most common plumbing issues that tend to occur during the summer months, you can take the necessary steps to protect your home and enjoy the season without any plumbing-related interruptions. Whether taking care of your outdoor sink, maintaining your bathroom drains, or being mindful of water usage, following these tips will help ensure that your summer remains stress-free and enjoyable. So, stay proactive, stay informed, and keep your plumbing in check to maximize the sunny days ahead.
