5 Common Plumbing Problems To Avoid This Summer

5 Common Plumbing Problems To Avoid This Summer Banner Image

Summer brings plenty of opportunities for fun, but that fun can lead to plumbing problems. Given the increased use of water, whether for cooling off or keeping up with all the additional washing, the plumbing in your home is vital when the days get hotter and longer. Knowing how to avoid issues or fix them when they arise is crucial for any renter or homeowner.

Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. offers these tips to keep your plumbing in business all summer long. If the time comes that you can’t make repairs yourself, trust the expertise of our Gainesville plumbers to help you out!

Backed Up Sewer Line

Summer storms can wreak havoc on multiple elements of your plumbing system, especially for outdoor sewer lines. Torrential rain can cause the soil to shift, which can cause pipes to move and break. Even hairline fractures are vulnerable to soil seepage, which can cause backups. If you notice your toilet or bath backing up, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

On the other hand, the hot summer sun can leave tree roots searching for water sources. Tree roots can go so far as to break open sewer lines to reach the water inside. To avoid this, know where your sewer lines are, avoid planting new plants in the area, and move older plants to keep your pipes safe. An experienced plumber can help you locate your outdoor plumbing.

Water Heater Issues

There are several reasons you may be running out of hot water, but overuse is definitely one to look out for in the summer. With the kids being home for summer and family members and friends more likely to visit during summer holidays, your washing machine, dishwasher, sinks, and showers are all putting a heavy demand on your water heater.

It could be that your water tank is too small to support your home, or issues with the water heater thermostat, but facing down a cold shower is where most people become aware of the issue. If your hot water heater is approximately ten years old, it could be time to inspect it. A qualified plumber can help figure out the problem and decide if repairs or replacements need to be done.

Clogged Drains

With the increased traffic in your home, there’s bound to be more foreign objects being flushed or washed away. Children and guests should know not to throw things into sinks or toilets that don’t belong. Only human waste and toilet paper should go into toilets. Items such as tampons, toilet paper rolls, toys, and food should stay out of the toilets.

You should also be mindful of what’s being tossed into the garbage disposal. Hard food by-products such as bones, melon rinds, and corn cobs should always be thrown in the garbage rather than the disposal. Also, be conscious of shower and bath drains. If you’re showering directly after a day at the beach, sand and pebbles can accumulate and create clogs. To prevent this, shower off at beach community showers and remove bathing suits before entering your home shower. And always make sure to remove built-up hair from the drain cover regularly.

Washing Machine Issues

Like other drains in the house, the washer needs to have clear lines to function properly. Checking your hose lines at the back of the washer for kinks and leaks routinely can ensure that your washing machine continues to work correctly and that there are no floods in the house. It’s also crucial to stay at home when doing a load of laundry. This way, if any issues arise, you can immediately turn the machine off and call a professional before lasting damage can be done.

While it’s tempting to wash larger loads to get it out of the way, stick with smaller loads to avoid blockages. You can also move the washing machine slightly away from the wall. Doing so helps you keep an eye on the hoses and allows for more space so that the machine doesn’t become overheated.

Sprinkler Issues

While we reduce the amount of watering done during the winter, sprinkler system issues can become apparent when used more frequently in the summer to sate our thirsty lawns. Sprinklers degrade naturally over time through use, but lawnmower damage can be a preventable problem. Avoid driving over sprinkler heads and hose lines with a riding lawnmower.

When you do begin using your sprinkler system again, check it thoroughly for damaged sprinkler heads and hose leaks. Replacement parts can be found at hardware stores. This will help save you money by not using up additional water. It will also help from overwatering patches of your lawn.