As the seasons change, so does the way you use your plumbing. Summer brings a unique set of plumbing problems that are essential to prepare for and combat. The Roman Electric team has assembled this list of common summer plumbing problems that homeowners should know about. Read on to find out more.
1. Clogged Disposal
Summertime is for cookouts, grilling, block parties, and fresh summer fruits and vegetables. However, more guests in your home and more material going down the disposal could lead to big problems. Corn cobs, melon rinds, fruit stones, and meat grease will block your disposal. If you fear a backup, run cold water for a few seconds before and after using the garbage disposal.
2. Clogged Toilets
School’s out for summer, and that means your kids (and their friends) will use your home’s bathrooms for their restroom breaks. The added flushes will increase wear and tear on flappers, chains, and handles, potentially forcing you to make a repair sooner than anticipated.
3. Sprinkler Issues
In-ground sprinkler systems are especially vulnerable during summer. The increased foot traffic on your lawn threatens your sprinkler heads. A misplaced foot could crack the head and cause a leak. A leaking sprinkler is often hard to detect, because sprinkler heads are designed to spray water. But, the problem will eventually become evident on your water bill. Leaking sprinklers will increase your water usage and raise your utility bill.
4. Slow Draining Showers
Taking a trip to the beach? Be sure to rinse off before hitting the shower. Sand, dirt, and tiny bits of beach debris are common culprits of slow draining showers. However, if your shower is draining slowly, don’t reach for chemical clog removers – these only delay the problem and increase the wear on your pipes. Instead, try to snake your drain. Alternatively, call a plumber.
5. Overloaded Washing Machines
Vacations, trips to the pool, walks outside, and other outdoor activities will increase the work of your washing machine. Overuse and overloading of the machine can lead to leaks in the hose. A hose leak will not only increase your water bill, it can also flood your home! Luckily, a hose leak in a washing machine is easy to fix, you can do it yourself in about five minutes.
6. Sump Pump
If you have a basement in your home, your sump pump is an essential piece of equipment. Sump pumps keep your basement dry when rain threatens to flood it. Summer rains can be intense, and if you don’t regularly maintain your pump, it could break down. When your sump pump doesn’t work, you could be left with a significant amount of standing water in the basement.
7. Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Outdoor faucets get used frequently in the summer, be it for car washes, “slip and slides,” or other fun activities in the sun. But, once you’re inside, the outdoor faucet is out of sight, out of mind. Which means you can’t see it leaking. A leaking faucet can waste up to 90 gallons of water a day. This waste will show up as an increase in your utility bill. Make sure that your faucet is sealed tightly to the wall, and that the rubber washer is in good condition.
Have Some Common Summer Plumbing Problems? Call us today!
We hope this guide has helped make you aware of common summer plumbing problems, and how to avoid them. But, if you have a plumbing problem you can’t solve, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Roman Electric has served the greater Milwaukee area since 1929, providing expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical solutions. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule an appointment online.
