Now that we are in the throws of summer, it is a good time to check in on your home’s plumbing system to see if you need a little summertime maintenance. You might not think about it, but the summer months can be particularly taxing on your plumbing for various reasons.
Typically, the summertime means more dirty clothes (which means more laundry), watering plants and lawns, and tending to those swimming pools really spikes your average water usage. As with anything that is putting in extra hours and effort, it’s best to check in and make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Stop potential problems and save on that water bill:
- Washing Machine: Inspect your washing machine and the water line. Your washing machine typically gets a lot more use during the summer months, so it’s best to make sure to check your hoses for abnormalities and cracks. Your hoses do have a lifespan (typically about 3 years), and a washing machine with a bad hose can be a potential disaster.
- Other Leaks: While you’re at it, go ahead and check out your faucets, toilets, and shower heads for leaks. Sure, leaks are annoying, but they are also costly. If water is running, whether you are using it or not, you are paying for it. It would also be a good time to switch to an EPA Watersense product to help save on your monthly bill. You can easily test your toilet for leaks by adding drops of food coloring in the tank. Let it sit, then check back in a half hour or so to see if the water in the bowl has been tinted by the color. If it has been, then you have a leak!
- Sewer Line: With summertime come those heavy summer rains, which can be a problem for your sewer lines if they happen to be cracked. If you have trees in your yard, it is also possible roots can obstruct the water flow. If you are experiencing any kind of sewer backup, give us a call and we can take a look at it to see what the culprit might be. If you suspect you have a sewer line obstruction, we can do a thorough inspection with our sewer inspection cameras.
- Sprinklers and Hoses: Be sure to check your outdoor faucets for leaks, as well. If you run a sprinkler or water your lawn or garden, it’s best to do so in the early morning hours, or later in the evening for best results. The afternoon heat can prevent your lawn or garden from effectively absorbing that much needed water.
Questions or concerns?
Don’t hesitate to give us a call, morning, noon or night. Our plumbing professionals are always ready to provide you with the best service possible, and we’re available 24/7 in case of emergency!