07 Jul 6 Common Summertime Plumbing Problems
7/5/2017
By: Kathryn Hyer
Summertime is here, and you know what that means! Kids are running around, grass sprinklers are always in use, and there are cookouts galore. While summertime is fun and exciting, there are a few plumbing issues which are more prevalent during this season than any other. Read below to know what these problems are and how to avoid them.
1) Clogged Garbage Disposal
Warmer weather means more barbeques, more barbeques means more food, and more food means more frequent use of the garbage disposal. Simply put, the best way to avoid damaging your garbage disposal is to be careful about what you put in it.
Solution: Fruit rinds, bones and husks should be thrown in the garbage, not the disposal. By running cold water through the drain for 10 to 15 minutes before and after each use, you can clear the drain and prevent a bigger plumbing problem. Likewise, being careful of what you put down your disposal will save you a big headache down the road.
2) Clogged Toilets
If you have school-aged children in your home, chances are they’re pretty excited to be out of school for the summer. Having kids home more often means more toilet usage, and likely more clogged toilets due to the increased use.
Solution: Take the time to educate your children about the importance of proper toilet usage. Teach them how much toilet paper to use, and what not to flush down the toilet.
3) Sprinkler Issues
After sitting for months on end without being used, automatic sprinklers are prone to have more issues and leaks. Automatic sprinkler heads also tend to suffer more abuse during the summer months due to more frequent lawn mowing.
Solution: Make sure to check your sprinkler heads for any damage and replace them when necessary. Avoid driving over sprinkler heads with a lawn mower. Also, check your sprinkler hose for any leaks at the beginning of summer and check it periodically.
4) Inefficient Sump Pumps
If you live in a home that is prone to flooding, chances are you probably have a sump pump. Summer rainstorms can be relentless and damaging if you’re not prepared for them.
Without a proper sump pump, unwanted water can leak into your sewage system and also cause flooding in your home.
Solution: Make sure that your sump pump is in proper, working condition. It’s a good idea to have your sump pump inspected regularly to avoid any kind of damage in the future.
5) Backed Up Shower Drain
It’s no secret that sand can be pretty messy. After a fun day at the beach, sand not only gets tracked into the house, but ultimately into the shower, where it can cause buildup and slower drain times.
Solution: Many public swimming areas have a public shower you can use to rinse off afterwards. Be sure to rinse off at the beach before coming home, to avoid tracking sand into your bathrooms and showers. Also, utilizing a drain cover is beneficial to help prevent larger objects, such as pebbles or seashells, from slipping down the drain.
6) Overworked Washing Machine
During the summertime, your washing machine is likely running overtime to keep up with all of your outdoor activities. Such frequent use of the washing machine can cause issues to arise.
Solution: Run smaller loads to avoid blockages and overflows. Also be sure to regularly check the hose for leakage.
Conclusion:
Don’t put a damper on your summer fun by having to worry about your plumbing. Be sure to take all of the necessary precautions to avoid these plumbing problems, so you can have a carefree and fun-filled summer. As always, give Mathews Plumbing a call at 208-357-3439 if you have any problems, or need a preliminary plumbing inspection. We’re here for you to ensure you have a worry-free summer!
References:
https://www.johncflood.com/blog/plumbing/solutions-summer-plumbing-problems
http://www.anchorpumps.com/blog/7-most-common-summer-plumbing-problems/#.WV0DPLzys0E