Summer is the perfect time to enjoy backyard barbecues and pool parties at home, but having a great time depends on reliable water flow and working drains. This is why it’s so important to have your plumbing system regularly maintained. But even with the utmost care, problems still happen from time to time. Let’s look at helpful ways to prevent common summer plumbing issues.
Clogged Kitchen Sink
To keep your kitchen sink unclogged, don’t pour oil or grease down the drain. The better option is to let it cool before discarding it in the trash. It also helps to use a sink strainer to capture food crumbs. To remove any lingering grime, run hot water after you use the sink.
Backed-Up Garbage Disposal
Keep fibrous items, such as celery or potato peels, out of the disposal to avoid backups. When you do switch it on, make sure to run cold water to flush the connected drain and pipe. You can keep the blades clear of buildup by grinding tiny cubes of ice on a regular basis.
Leaky Outdoor Faucet
Turn on each outside faucet and watch for drips to see if there is a leak. You might need to tighten connections or replace worn-out washers. Once summer is over, remember to turn off exterior water lines and remove hoses to avoid burst pipes.
Running Toilet
There’s a good chance the flapper isn’t sealing correctly if the toilet keeps running. You’ll need to jiggle the handle and inspect the flapper to see if it fixes the problem. If not, it could be a damaged flush valve. Untangling the chain or adjusting its length may also resolve the issue. This guide from Family Handyman shows you how to fix a running toilet yourself. If not, it’s best to call a plumber.
Overflowing Toilet
Never put wipes, paper towels, or cotton balls in the toilet. If you do, it greatly increases the risk of overflows. You want to avoid this at all costs because it can lead to unsanitary situations in the bathroom.
It can also cause slippery conditions where someone slips and falls. As soon as you notice an overflow, shut off the toilet’s water supply valve. Then, use a plunger to try to remove the clog. For more stubborn clogs, you might need a plumber to use a drain snake or a hydro jet to clear the blockage.
Low Water Pressure
Having good water pressure is very important in the summer. It comes in handy when you want to fill swimming pools, run sprinklers, or wash off dirty patio furniture. Much of the time, poor pressure stems from mineral buildup in faucets and showerheads.
The best way to prevent this problem is to soak the fixtures in vinegar; this will help dissolve any deposits. Leaky pipes can also result in low water pressure. If this is the case, a plumber will need to patch the damaged section or replace the affected pipe entirely to fix the leak. Check this article from Bob Vila on common water pressure causes
Clogged Shower Drain
Hair and soap scum buildup are the typical culprits for clogged shower drains. You can use a drain cover to catch any hair before it goes down the drain; this will go a long way in preventing clogs. Just be sure to clean the cover every time you take a shower. It also helps to flush the drain once a month with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. If you run into a clog that won’t go away, call a plumber.
Sewer Line Backup
Don’t put non-degradable items down any drain inside or outside of your house. If you do, you increase the chances of a sewer line backup. Regular inspections are crucial to preventing this problem.
Broken Sprinkler Head
Regularly check all sprinkler heads for broken or misaligned heads. You must replace any damaged parts right away to prevent water waste. This type of maintenance is vital to keeping your lawn healthy and avoiding soggy spots.
Burst Hose Bib
A burst hose bib can make it incredibly difficult to water your garden or fill your pool. If the hose bib leaks, it can even ruin landscaping and the foundation of your home. The best way to protect hose bibs during the summer is to inspect them regularly and replace damaged ones. You must also drain and insulate them during the winter to keep them from freezing and cracking. This will ensure they are ready for summer use.
Malfunctioning Sump Pump
The most common problems with sump pumps are clogging, pump failure and a stuck float switch. These problems are easily avoidable with regular inspections. You can pour water into the pit to make sure yours operates and drains correctly. You may want to think about getting a battery backup in case the power goes out.
Leaky Washing Machine Hose
Look for bulges or fractures in the hoses of your washing machine. To make them last longer, swap out the rubber hoses with braided stainless steel ones. Tighten all connections and think about turning off water valves while they’re not in use. This will help prevent leaks, water damage, and hose bursts.
Outdoor Drain Clogs
Leaves, debris, and dirt make their way into outdoor drains. As they build up, they can eventually lead to clogs. When this happens, you may have to deal with flooding and water damage. Simple ways to prevent outdoor drain blockages are to install drain covers and regularly clear debris.
Water Hammer Noises
When water suddenly stops flowing through pipes, it can cause a slamming noise known as a water hammer. This happens because the water pressure stops abruptly, and the pipes shake or vibrate. It’s not only annoying but also damaging to the plumbing system.
Installing water hammer arrestors may help reduce the noise and prevent damage. To install them, you’ll need to locate the affected pipes and attach the arrestors at the source of the noise. If you’re not comfortable doing this, hire a plumber.
Septic Tank Overflow
Septic tanks require regular flushing to avoid overflows. You can help maintain the drain field by not parking vehicles on it and keeping it free from tree roots.
Blocked Pool Plumbing
When the pool is not in use, cover it and make sure to clean the skimmer baskets often. This will help avoid debris buildup and clogs. Make sure the water level is right and backwash the filter as necessary to keep it circulating properly. This is paramount to maintaining water clarity and preventing damage to the pump.
Water Heater Not Heating
Check the thermostat and circuit breaker if the water heater isn’t producing hot water. Here’s a basic water heater troubleshooting guide from the U.S. Department of Energy.
It could be a tripped circuit breaker or a malfunctioning thermostat. Having a plumber flush the tank annually will prevent sediment buildup.
Work with the Pros!
Huft Home Services offers quality plumbing services in Elk Grove, CA, area. Our pipe repairs fix problems like low water pressure and hidden leaks, so you can enjoy relaxing summer days without unexpected plumbing issues. Call Huft Home Services today to hire a plumber in Elk Grove.
