Summer has arrived, and with it comes additional wear and tear on your plumbing system. With the kids home from school and summer barbeques in full swing, the time is now to make sure your plumbing system is ready to perform and avert problems. Take the time to perform any needed maintenance on your plumbing lines and drains and follow the tips below to avoid five common summer plumbing issues so you can enjoy the beautiful weather free of stress.
Contact a home or commercial plumbing specialist at Stephens Plumbing with questions or concerns about plumbing repair, installation, or maintenance. We offer affordable custom plumbing solutions tailored around your unique needs.
Clogged Disposals
Summer barbeques and parties can wreak havoc on your disposal system. Don’t be afraid to remind friends and family what can and can’t go down the garbage disposal. Especially avoid sending hard-rinded fruits, bones, pits, and fibrous plants down the disposal; these items can cause damage to the garbage disposal blades and cause clogging and home plumbing issues. Cooking oils and fats should also not be put in the disposal: they can build up on the walls of pipes and can cause clogging and other emergency plumbing issues over time.
Summer is also a time for gardening, lawn maintenance, and other dirty jobs. Keep the bulk of summer sand and dirt out of your garbage disposal by hosing off outside prior to cleaning up indoors. To further avoid issues, run water for a short time before and after turning on your disposal. This will help clear out any debris. If you notice a clog, try running hot water through the system to flush it out.
Contact a home or commercial plumbing specialist with questions or concerns about garbage disposal repair. Our plumbers offer affordable and reliable plumbing repair, maintenance, and installation services to meet your needs.
Sewer Line Backups
Heavy rainstorms in the summer can do wonders for your lawn and garden but may mean debris-filled clogs for your sewer. Check the drains near your home for any buildup and be sure to clear it prior to big storms. Leaves, twigs, and grass clippings can cause major sewer line backups, which may result in rising water making its way into to your basement. If sewer clogs become an issue, have the city clear the drains. And if water leaks into your basement, call a plumber for help. Our plumbers provide home plumbing repair and installation services at competitive rates.
Washing Machine Problems
Washing machines work overtime in the summer with trips and outdoor activities on the rise. Like other plumbing systems in your home, washing machines are susceptible to clogs and leaks. Be sure to shake clothes and towels out after a day at the beach to keep big chunks of dirt and rocks from entering your washing machine lines.
Check the back of your machine and the connecting hoses for leaks and strain. Make sure the machine is pulled back from the wall to avoid kinks in the lines. The less stress you place on your washing machine, the longer it will keep your clothes looking fresh and clean. Our plumbers offer washing machine and plumbing services to help resolve your unique issue. Contact a plumber to learn more about washing machine and plumbing repair, install, and maintenance services.
Clogged Toilets
With kids home for the summer, the potential for clogged toilets increases. Teach your children the proper amount of toilet paper to use, and what can and cannot be flushed. If a clog does happen, a plunger should do the trick. Learn how to properly use a plunger to undo the clog. If the drain is still clogged, it may be time to call a trusted plumber. Stephens Plumbing offers affordable home plumbing repair and installation services.
Sprinkler System Issues
When properly maintained, sprinkler systems are a lawn connoisseur's best friend. But broken or clogged sprinkler heads can waste water and ruin your carefully maintained landscaping. Be sure to clean your sprinkler heads before use to avoid clogs.
When mowing, be sure to watch for sprinkler heads, which may be elevated and easily chewed up by your mower. After mowing, check your sprinkler heads for any damage or debris. Fix broken sprinkler heads to avoid flooding and damage to your lawn.
We hope these tips allow you to enjoy a relaxing summer! Contact a plumber if you need assistance with home or commercial plumbing repair, installation, or maintenance.