Long summer nights, days spent at the beach, and the smell of barbecue wafting through the air are some of the best parts of summertime here in Tampa Bay.
But summertime also brings with it significant water usage, whether it is from watering your lawn, or just generally spending more time at home. Will your plumbing system stand up to summer fun?
To keep your plumbing in optimal shape this summer, follow these tips from our team at Integrity Home Solutions!
#1. Inspect Your Washer
#2. Be Mindful of what Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
#3. Pay Attention to Your Water Heater
#4. Conserve Water
#5. Watch for Clogs and Leaks
Summertime Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Don’t let a leak or plumbing emergency ruin your summer fun. Follow these maintenance tips for a stress-free summer.
#1. Inspect Your Washer
More time spent outside means more dirty clothes and loads of laundry. But before you make daily washing a habit, pull out your washing machine and make sure that the hoses are in good shape.
Look for leaks, bulges, or cracks in the hoses. If it has been more than three years since they have been replaced, consider having them replaced now.
When you move the washer back into place, make sure that it is at least 4 inches from the wall, so the hoses don’t kink up or get damaged.
#2. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
Summer barbecues and outdoor dinner parties mean that you may have more kitchen scraps to put down the garbage disposal.
Be mindful of what you put in your garbage
disposal to prevent clogs and costly repairs.
Never put these items down the garbage disposal:
- Celery stalks
- Banana peels
- Eggshells
- Corn husks
- Coffee grounds
- Bones
- Grease or fat
- Other stringy or hard foods
All these food scraps can result in clogged pipes. Instead of tossing them down the drain, consider composting them or throwing them away.
Learn More > Summertime Plumbing Woes
#3. Keep and Eye on Your Water Heater
If you are planning to go on vacation or a summer road trip, make sure to turn down the water heater’s temperature when you are gone. This can help save on energy costs while you are away, and you might see a slight decrease in your utility bill. There’s something that doesn’t happen often in the summertime!
#4. Conserve Water
Conserving water is important during the summertime, especially when water activities are at an all-time high. Not only is this good for the planet, but it can benefit your wallet too!
To conserve water this year:
- Set timers for your sprinkler system
- Use your dishwasher rather than handwashing dishes
- Shorten your shower
- Check for water leaks
- Get a rain barrel to use mother earth’s resources
- Cover your pool
#5. Watch for Clogs and Leaks
With the number of people that are at home during the summer, plus guests, it is common to see an influx of clogged drains and toilets in the summer months.
Look out for clogs and leaks, as plumbing
emergencies can be expensive.
Tips to avoid plumbing clogs throughout the house:
- Keep drains clear of hair, food waste, and other debris
- Place sink strainers in the kitchen and hair catchers in the shower
- Remind children and guests of proper toilet etiquette, such as not flushing too much toilet paper, baby wipes, or feminine products down the toilet.
Have a Clog? > The Benefits of High-Pressure Drain Cleaning
Summer Plumbing Maintenance
Along with the tips outlined above, it is important to schedule seasonal maintenance inspections of your plumbing system so you can make sure that any plumbing issues are taken care of before they become a bigger more costly problem.
Our plumbing specialists at Integrity Home Solutions are on call 24/7 for plumbing emergencies, repairs, and maintenance and we are ready to help prevent summer plumbing issues so you can have fun in the sun! Schedule plumbing maintenance or repair today; 813-473-6007!
