Prepare Your Plumbing for Summer: A Homeowner's Guide
Summer is just around the corner, and while you may be thinking about vacations, pool parties, and barbecues, it’s also the perfect time to give your home’s plumbing a little TLC. Routine maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, improve efficiency, and increase the lifespan of your plumbing system. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 plumbing tips for homeowners to perform each summer.
1. Inspect Your Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and hoses can become damaged over the winter and spring. Now is the perfect chance to check your outdoor faucets for leaks or damage. Ensure the hose connections are secure and not leaking. Inspect all outdoor plumbing fixtures for leaks, rust, and damage, replacing any damaged fixtures as needed. Also, check the water pressure in your outdoor faucets by turning them on full blast. If the pressure is weak, you may have a clog or leak that needs addressing to avoid water damage.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are designed to collect and redirect rainwater away from your home’s foundation. However, they can become clogged with debris during the summer, leading to water overflow and potential damage to your home’s foundation. Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they function correctly and protect your home from water damage, mold growth, and structural issues.
3. Check Your Sump Pump
Summer can bring heavy rain and thunderstorms, which can lead to flooding in your basement or crawl space. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump activates and removes the water, it’s working correctly. If not, call a professional to inspect and repair it. Ensuring your sump pump is functional is crucial as it protects your home from basement flooding.
4. Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater works overtime during the summer with extra laundry, dishes, and showers. Check the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion. Flushing your water heater regularly helps remove sediment buildup and prolongs its lifespan. To do this, turn off the power or gas supply, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, open the valve, and let the water run until it runs clear.
5. Test Your Water Pressure
Testing your water pressure during the summer is especially important due to increased water usage. Use a water pressure gauge to check the pressure. Low pressure can indicate a clog or other plumbing issues, while high pressure could damage your pipes and lead to leaks. If you notice any significant changes, call a professional plumber to inspect your system.
6. Test Your Toilet
A running toilet can waste gallons of water each day, resulting in higher utility bills. Test your toilet by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, you may have a leak. Address any issues promptly to avoid wasting water and damaging your plumbing system. Consider upgrading to a more water-efficient model to save on your water bill.
7. Clean Your Drains
Summer activities can lead to clogged drains. Prevent clogs by inspecting your drains and performing routine maintenance. Use a drain snake or plunger to remove any hair, soap scum, or other debris. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down buildup in your pipes. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes and then flush with hot water.
8. Inspect Your Washing Machine Hoses
Your washing machine hoses work hard during the summer with extra loads of laundry. Check the hoses for cracks, bulges, or signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged hoses immediately to avoid flooding or water damage. Ensure the hoses are securely connected to the machine and water supply to prevent leaks.
9. Refresh Your Garbage Disposal
Summer means more outdoor cooking and entertaining, leading to more food scraps in your garbage disposal. To keep it functioning correctly, run cold water while using it and avoid putting hard or fibrous foods down the drain. Clean your disposal by grinding up a few ice cubes and citrus peels to remove buildup and keep it smelling fresh.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
While routine maintenance can prevent many issues, it’s also essential to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. A licensed plumber can inspect your entire plumbing system for potential issues, provide recommendations for improving efficiency, and prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system. Schedule an inspection at least once a year to catch any problems early.
Have a Wonderful Summer!
If anything pops up, reach out to Riverway Plumbing & Mechanical. We’re here to help keep your plumbing in top shape all year round!
