Introduction
As summer arrives with its irresistible charm, houses eagerly refresh their appearance and temperatures steadily rise, aspects you may not pay as much attention to are your plumbing systems. However, the summer season tends not to be as gentle with your household pipes and systems as you'd think. Experts suggest homeowners prepare for common summer plumbing issues to avoid inconvenient and costly repairs. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into understanding and solving these typical plumbing problems.
The Seasonal Impact on Plumbing Issues
Summer, synonymous with vacations, BBQs, and plenty of outdoor activities, often increases the demand and stress on household plumbing systems. Unfortunately, the higher usage combined with other factors can often lead to a variety of plumbing problems. Knowing these issues in advance can assist homeowners in avoiding the inconvenience associated with them.
Most Common Summer Plumbing Problems
Certain plumbing issues tend to spike during the hot season. Let’s explore these problems and find out how they can be effectively solved.
1. Sprinkler Issues
Sprinkler systems are a saving grace for homeowners, especially during the scorching summer heat, when maintaining a lush, green yard becomes a bit of a challenge. While these systems come in handy, they are prone to overuse, leading to various issues, including leaks and broken heads. To handle this, regularly check your sprinklers for damages and adjust the schedule to prevent over-watering and pooling.
2. Washing Machine Overload
With kids being home for the summer break and the household engaging in outdoor activities, there tends to be an increased load of laundry. This overuse can lead to washing machine malfunctions, primarily due to overloaded or unbalanced loads. Ensure you run smaller loads and move your machine slightly from the wall to prevent the hose from kinking.
3. Sewer Line Backups
Summer can be a tricky time for sewer lines as well, with the excessive rainfall often leading to damage. Running tree roots can further compromise the integrity of your sewer lines. Regular inspections by professional plumbers can prevent the unpleasant experience of sewer line backups.
4. Clogged Disposals
Outdoor gatherings and cookouts mean your kitchen is busier than usual. Make sure to avoid disposing of hard fruits, vegetables, and cooking oils in disposals which can cause clogging and even break the motor blades. Regular cleaning and mindful disposal of waste can nip this issue in the bud.
5. Increased Shower Use
Finally, with everyone home, the chances are that your bathroom is seeing more activity, leading to potential clogs in your pipes from excessive hair or soap scum buildup. Installing drain catchers and scheduling regular professional drain cleaning can mitigate this problem.
Solving Summer Plumbing Problems: Maintenance and Prevention
Most summer plumbing problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and good practises. Ensure all your household members are mindful of proper usage of your plumbing systems. Periodic inspections can also reveal potential issues before they escalate, saving you both stress and money. Always remember that professional help is merely a call away, and it is better to rely on expert assistance for more significant issues.
Conclusion
In summary, the summer season does bring with it a unique set of challenges for your home plumbing systems. By understanding these common issues, you can make a concerted effort to prevent them in the first place, saving you from inconvenient disruptions and expensive repairs. Employing a proactive approach towards your home plumbing will not only increase its lifespan but also contribute to creating a more comfortable summer living experience for you and your family.
Expect fun-filled summer months? Don’t forget to add "preventing plumbing problems" to your checklist! So go ahead and enjoy your BBQs and family time, knowing that your plumbing systems are well-looked after.