We often encounter numerous plumbing problems in the summertime due to the weather and increased use, as families and kids are out of school. Your plumbing system is used more frequently, not just due to increased foot traffic, but also through the use of water to maintain gardens and lawns, as well as to fill swimming pools.
Read on to discover some of the ways you can prevent plumbing problems so you can make the most of your summer.
Basement Floods
Rain in your house can be costly to repair. It is worth checking your sump pump in that case so that you’re ready if there are floods. You may also want to include a cleanout access for your sewer line to help prevent backups.
Water Sprinkler Damage
We all want that perfect green lawn in the summer. It’s a good idea to inspect your sprinklers for damage before using them, for this reason.
A small leak can gradually lead to a significant increase in your water bill. Ensure your sprinklers never waste water by repairing any leaks or breaks. To maintain your sprinklers in good working order during the summer months, it is essential to inspect them regularly.
Sewer Line Backup
Thunderstorms happen more often in the summertime—just something to keep in mind if you live in a part of the country where downpours are more common. Heavy rains can cause your sewer pipes to become blocked when too much water enters them through cracks and openings.
Don’t delay when you notice any of the above signs of a blocked sewer line, including a toilet backing up into the bathtub drain, a clogged toilet plumbing vent, or any other drain problems. For those thinking ahead, using a drain stopper (if available) in every drain can help prevent stormwater from backing up during a severe thunderstorm.
Garbage Disposal Issues
You use a garbage disposal in your sink every day. Although it can grind virtually anything thrown into it and possesses an appearance that is close to being indestructible, you can encounter some clogging eventually. The high frequency of obstructions makes using your kitchen sink burdensome.
When clogged, your garbage disposal becomes a disaster for your kitchen sink, causing serious plumbing issues. The latter can be challenging to determine and best left to a professional plumbing team to handle!
A key thing to keep in mind is that your disposal isn’t meant to handle all types of food. Do not put in hard, large items such as bones, ice cubes, fruit stones or pips, and corn cobs. Food items such as celery or anything that can curl around the blades should be avoided for the same reason, as they can damage the blades, potentially leading to various problems down the line.
Lastly, you never want to dump hot grease, oil, or fat down any of your drains – it ends up causing the worst type of clogs in your pipes and/or sewers.
Slow-Draining Showers
Has the drain in your shower suddenly slowed down? Slow drain in the summer is particularly problematic, as more muck and grass are washed into your drains when you wash off after a day working outside. Keep in mind that kids and pets can be filthy and muddy creatures if they spend a lot of time playing outside.
Do-it-yourself solutions can sometimes work, but for the best results, it’s recommended to hire a plumber to pinpoint and eliminate the blockage in your line.
Call Us Today!
Our experienced plumbers at Santos Water Service & Drain carry the most advanced plumbing equipment and can handle all of your plumbing challenges at an affordable price. Contact us for immediate help: 416-824-3352 or complete a free consultation form online.