Summertime is a time for relaxation, outdoor activities, and fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it is also the time when your plumbing system can experience some of its most common problems. As you prepare to enjoy your summer days, it’s important to be aware of potential plumbing issues during this active time of the year.
During the summer months, your home’s plumbing system gets more use. From entertaining guests, and cooking, kids home from college (and the extra laundry loads that come with them), can lead to an increase in plumbing issues and potentially costly repairs.
Here are some of the most common summertime plumbing issues and how to avoid them!
Septic Tank Problems
In Florida, the arrival of summer brings hurricane season and increased rainfall and afternoon thunderstorms. With this increased precipitation, comes the potential for negative impacts on your septic system, especially in older or neglected systems.
Septic systems are an essential component of modern homes, and they rely on a drain or leach field to help absorb household wastewater. A septic system is designed to filter and treat the waste generated by households, but it also relies on natural processes to function effectively. During the summertime, when homeowners use more water than usual to cool down or clean up after outdoor activities, septic systems can become overwhelmed with excess water.
When the ground becomes saturated with heavy amounts of rain during the summertime, it can cause issues for septic systems. The drain field may not be able to handle all of the incoming water and could fail due to over-saturation. This can lead to clogs in pipes and backups in toilets or sinks, creating unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions inside the home.d can have a hard time absorbing it.
Combined with an increased load on the septic system from household guests, the kids being home all day, and extra laundry, your system could experience failure.
Have your septic system serviced, pumped, and inspected before Summer arrives so you can avoid unexpected backups or failures.
Clogged Toilets
Much like clogged disposals, clogged toilets happen more frequently when they are in higher use in the summer months. The kids are out of school and you have more guests coming over, so it is important to make sure that everyone knows what can and cannot be flushed (hint: if it says ‘flushable’, it’s not).
Fortunately, most toilet clogs are easily fixed with a plunger, but some can turn into serious clogs that require the help of a professional.
Clogged toilet? The plumbing pros at Integrity Home Solutions are on call 24/7 for all your emergency plumbing needs! Call 813-473-6007!
Water Heater Problems
While winter is often associated with water heater problems, the summertime can also bring its share of issues. As the temperature rises, homeowners may experience a range of problems with their hot water supply.
Sediment buildup in your water heater tank can dislodge due to increased activity and find its way into your plumbing system! Summertime water heater problems include:
- obstructed faucet aerators
- decreased water heater performance
- discolored or smelly water
Avoid water heater issues by getting preventative maintenance done on your water heater. Call a licensed pro to have it flushed and tuned up. We can help you maintain clean and ample hot water throughout the year.
Plumbing Leaks
Leaks can occur in different parts of your home, both inside and outside. Outdoor hose leaks are among the most common types of leaks experienced by homeowners during summertime.
If you discover a leaking water supply line or fixture, or a higher monthly water bill, you should call Integrity Home Solutions immediately to schedule an inspection and repairs. A simple drip from your outdoor hose or plumbing fixture inside your home could waste hundreds of gallons of water, so make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Seasonal plumbing maintenance is crucial to a well-functioning plumbing system. At Integrity Home Solutions, we offer a year-round maintenance plan for your home. Call us to learn about our Priority Partner Plan!
Clogged Drains or Garbage Disposal
Summertime might be the best time for cookouts, but that also means there might be a lot of food waste going down the kitchen drain. Make sure that you are disposing of your food waste properly and know what can and cannot go down the drain.
One of the main culprits behind clogged disposals during the summer months is fruit pits. It’s easy to get carried away with snacking on fresh cherries or peaches while prepping your meals, but it’s important to dispose of those pits properly instead of tossing them down the disposal. These hard pieces can easily get stuck in your disposal blades and cause a backup in your sink.
Another common reason for clogs during summertime is grease buildup from grilling.
Never put these food scraps down the drain:
- Eggshells
- Potato peels
- Nuts
- Oatmeal
- Coffee grounds
- Cooking fat
- Grease
- Bones
- Crustacean shells
- Apple cores
- Corn husks
- Onion skins
These kinds of food scraps should go straight into the trash or compost heap.
Clogged Shower Drains
Summertime trips to the beach or the lake can bring sand, dirt, and pebbles into the shower, which in turn could block the shower drain.
We recommend rinsing off at the beach, or outside the house before taking a shower to avoid clogging the shower drain. Further, avoid clogged shower drains by keeping an eye on the drain cover and removing any hair that is stuck in there.
Avoid Summertime Plumbing Issues
Avoid summertime plumbing issues with preventive maintenance and inspections from Integrity Home Solutions. From septic tank repairs to clogged disposals, drains, or toilets, our plumbing experts can inspect and repair your plumbing system so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
At the first sign of a clog or leak, call Integrity Home Solutions at 813-473-6007 for preventative maintenance or 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs anywhere in Tampa Bay.