Summer is almost here. We are so excited to be (safely) outside. Although we hope it’s smooth sailing, sometimes issues can occur. Believe it or not, it is very common for plumbing problems to occur, especially throughout the summer. Here is a list of 7 summer plumbing tips that can help. Read on for more information on how to avoid or treat these mishaps!
1. Backup Your Sewage
The last thing you need this summer is a sewage backup. This can cause major havoc to your home and your pockets. You can be fixing damages to floors, electrical systems, walls, and personal belongings. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to stay on top of all sewage issues that may occur.
To avoid a backup in your sewage, ensure you are properly discarding grease, and paper products such as diapers, sanitary products, and paper towels. If you haven’t already, get a plastic pipeline. This will help prevent tree root damage. If your plumbing isn’t up to code, correct it immediately, and install a backwater valve to prevent flooding.
2. Prevent Basement Flooding
Unless you live in the desert or California, expect some rain this summer. With rain comes potential flooding. In order to avoid basement flooding, ensure your sump pump, or back-up system, is working properly. This helps water from building up due to normal rainstorms. You can also prevent flooding by waterproofing the basement.
3. Check Your Washer Machine Hose
With all the summer fun occurring, laundry is being done more frequently. This means our washing machine is getting more use. Wash full loads as this helps the environment and lowers your water bill, however remember that heavy loads may cause hose blockage.
If you have an older washer, you may need to replace the hose. Check your hose regularly and ensure your machine isn’t positioned too close to the wall to prevent the risk of overheating.
4. Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
With summer, comes cook outs (safely of course, because we are still in a pandemic), and with cookouts comes potential disposal clogs. Make sure you are disposing your food in the right place. Be careful throwing fruit pits or grease down the drain as this will quickly cause clogging problems.
If you do experience a clogged garbage disposal, call CJ Plumbing and Heating for professional help.
5. Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clear gutters are very important for preventing water damage to your home. You must ensure your gutters are free of debris such as twigs, leaves, and other things that may get stuck in the downspout.
Inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts monthly, or as often as needed. You can also trim trees and tall hedges that are close to the gutters for prevention or install gutter covers.
6. Fix Those Leaky Toilets
Especially for your toilets, you want to be inspecting for leaks. One way to easily do that is by adding food coloring in the tank. if it leaks to the bowl without flushing, you’ve found the problem. Also, make sure to check the floor for leaks. If the toilet is wobbly it may need some tightening up.
7. Double Check Faulty Sprinkler System
Inspect the sprinkler heads to make sure they are clean and ready to go. If you mow the lawn or in general have lawn traffic, this can be a reason for leaky or faulty sprinkler systems as they sometimes leak underground.
Double check the sprinklers to ensure they are not damaged before putting them to use. This can cause lawn rotting.
Kick Off Your Summer With CJ Plumbing & Heating
By following these plumbing tips, you’ll have a carefree summer for the whole family.
CJ Plumbing & Heating is available 24/7 for all of your plumbing and heating needs. Garbage disposals, sump pumps, toilet installation and repair, and more. Servicing homeowners and businesses across Chicagoland since 1991. Get a free quote today!
