Summer can significantly increase household water usage due to activities such as filling swimming pools, more frequent showers, and increased use of appliances like dishwashers. Given these seasonal demands, ensuring your plumbing system is adequately prepared is vital to avoid disruptions that could spoil your summer enjoyment. This article offers a comprehensive guide to ensuring your plumbing system is ready for the summer load, covering everything from sewer maintenance to water heater optimization.
Ensure Smooth Sewer and Drainage Systems
Inspect and Clean Sewer Lines
With summer storms potentially leading to severe sewer line backups, having your sewer lines professionally inspected and cleaned, especially if you have faced issues before, is a wise precaution. This proactive measure can prevent the inconvenience of unexpected plumbing disasters during heavy rains.
Check for Root Intrusions
Tree roots, in their search for moisture, can invade sewer lines, leading to significant blockages. Addressing this in early summer is crucial to preventing such disruptions, ensuring that your sewer lines remain clear as usage increases.
Clear Outdoor Drains
Ensuring that outdoor drains are free from debris is another vital step. Clearing your gutters and downspouts will also help manage summer rains effectively, preventing water from backing up and causing damage.
Garbage Disposal Care for Summer Entertaining
Know What Not to Dispose
Summer cookouts often lead to increased use of your garbage disposal. Avoid disposing of hard-to-grind items like corn husks, melon rinds, and barbecue leftovers, which can damage the disposal blades or cause clogs.
Run Cold Water
Using cold water when running the disposal helps to move waste more effectively through the system, preventing clogs and maintaining the disposal’s efficiency.
Regular Cleaning
To keep your disposal in top condition, occasionally grind ice cubes mixed with salt or vinegar. This simple maintenance trick helps remove built-up residue and sharpens the blades, ensuring efficient operation.
Outdoor Plumbing Preparation
Inspect Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems
Regular checks for leaks, damage, or misalignment in your sprinkler heads are essential. Adjust them to maximize efficiency and reduce water waste, ensuring your lawn receives adequate coverage without excess.
Prepare Your Pool
For pool owners, ensure that your pump and filtration systems are functioning correctly. Promptly repairing any leaks in pool plumbing can prevent water loss and ensure the pool remains a refreshing escape during hot days.
Secure Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Inspecting your outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks or damage caused by winter freezes is crucial. Replacing washers and fixing leaks not only saves water but also prevents water damage around the foundation of your home.
Enhance Water Heater Performance
Flush the Water Heater
Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, reducing its efficiency. Flushing the tank to remove these deposits and checking the pressure relief valve ensures it operates effectively.
Adjust Temperature
Reducing the water heater temperature during warmer months can significantly save energy, as the demand for hot water decreases.
General Summer Plumbing Tips
Check for Leaks
A thorough inspection of all visible plumbing, including under sinks and around appliances, for any signs of leakage, is vital. Addressing even small drips early can prevent significant water waste and potential damage over time.
Upgrade Fixtures
Replacing older fixtures with water-efficient models, such as water-saving showerheads, faucets, and toilets, can greatly reduce water use during the high-demand summer months, contributing to both environmental conservation and lower water bills.
Prepare for Vacation
If you’re planning an extended time away from home, consider turning off the main water supply to prevent any leaks from causing damage in your absence.
By implementing these steps, you can ensure that your plumbing system is robust enough to handle the summer’s increased demands. Regular maintenance and mindful usage of plumbing fixtures will enable you to enjoy a hassle-free summer, focusing more on relaxation and fun rather than unexpected plumbing problems.
