As homeowners we all know how challenging and certainly what a full-time job it is to maintain our homes and property. With this in mind, the team here at Steve Mull Plumbing thought it would be useful to share with all our valued clients some summer plumbing problems and tips that will help minimize those challenges and hassles going forward.
- Prep your Summer Plumbing – Most people take vacations in the summertime that put them away from home for an extended period of time. If you plan on being away from the home more than a weekend, we highly recommend you have a family member or a friend check in on your house to ensure there are no plumbing, water pipe, or other water issues. Before you head out on your vacation you want to be sure to turn your water heater down to either low, pilot or vacation mode. In addition, you should ensure that none of your appliances are experiencing any leaks and leave both the dishwasher and washing machine lids open so as to avoid mold spores. Next, we suggest, if you are going to be gone for a long period of time, that you turn off the water main. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Check All The Pipes – Now that the long, cold winter is over, you want to take time out to check your pipes and catch any problems that may be in the making. Start by inspecting faucets, shower heads, under sink pipes, bathtub spigots, water softener, sprinklers, hot water heater, drinking water line, toilets and outdoor spigots. When inspecting you want to be on the look out for any corrosion, rust, broken or damaged parts and leaks of any kind.
- Check the Water Pressure – It is very important to get in the habit of checking the PSI in your home routinely. If it remains high for too long a period of time, your pipes may very well burst because of the amount of pressure travelling through them. This risk increases when you are away from the home for an extended period of time. If you ever suffer a water leak or burst be sure to shut off the water main right away.
- Go Easy on the Garbage Disposal – In the summer months people tend to eat a whole lot more fruits and veggies and they tend to cook more meats on the outdoor grill. Whenever possible you should avoid tossing all the leftovers and remains into the disposal. This can actually be harmful to both your plumbing and the blades of your disposal as well. Get in the habit, especially during the summer, to keep a trash bin nearby so your guests have somewhere to toss their scraps.
- Keep an Eye on the Washing Machine – It is a proven fact that people wear more clothes in the summer months than the winter. With that said, make certain to check the hoses on your washing machine from time to time for any cracks or other problems.
- Beware of Sweaty Pipes – Though sweaty pipes are not an immediate danger or problem to your home, they can, over time contribute to the growth of mold and mildew spores.
Summer is finally here and surely you want to be able to enjoy all your fun-filled activities, backyard cookouts, and family and friends without the costs or challenges of summer plumbing issues. Though this list of plumbing tips may seem a bit much, taking the time and making the effort to check each of these elements can definitely save you both hours and money going forward.
Routine inspections of your pipes will help to reduce and/or avoid costly plumbing issues that can certainly put a ‘damper’ on your summer. Don’t forget. If you are in need of any type of plumbing products or services, then we are the team for you. Don’t delay. Contact the friendly and professional team here at Steve Mull Plumbing today!!
