Summer has officially arrived on the Central Coast! While thoughts may turn to beach trips and vacations, it’s also an important time to think about your home’s plumbing. Warmer weather often brings unique plumbing challenges that you might not face during other times of the year. In fact, water usage in many homes increases by 25%-50% during the summer months. So, how can homeowners protect their plumbing and avoid potential problems? Here are a few common plumbing issues that tend to crop up during the summer and how to address them:
Clogged Garbage Disposal
Planning summer cookouts? Be cautious about what goes down your garbage disposal. While fruit and vegetable scraps might seem harmless, tough produce like watermelon rinds and corn cobs can damage your disposal’s blades or create tough clogs. Additionally, avoid pouring used cooking oils down the drain, as they can gum up your disposal system. Always run cold water through the disposal before and after use to help flush away any lingering food particles.
Sewer Line Backups
A sewer line backup can be anything from a minor inconvenience to a major disaster. Issues like tree roots invading the sewer line, debris blockages, or heavy summer rain can cause backups. Instead of waiting until you see water backing up into your home, consider scheduling a sewer line inspection before summer is in full swing. A video inspection from Culbert Construction & Plumbing can help identify and fix potential problems before they escalate.
Washing Machine Care
With kids out of school, your washing machine may see more use during the summer. Stay home while your machine is running so that you can stop the cycle immediately if any issues arise. Take the time to visually inspect your washing machine’s hoses as well—hoses should be replaced every three years to avoid leaks. Ensure the hoses are flexible and watertight, and check that the valve handles open and close properly without dripping.
Clogged Toilets
During the summer, household toilets can get extra use, especially with kids home from school. Teach children to use a reasonable amount of toilet paper and remind them to flush only when necessary. If your toilet clogs, a simple plunger should do the trick, but if that doesn’t work, call in the experts at Culbert Construction & Plumbing.
Sprinkler System Problems
If your lawn has a sprinkler system, make sure to clean and inspect the heads before using them for the season. Be careful when mowing your lawn to avoid damaging raised sprinkler heads, and remember to water your yard at the right time—early mornings or evenings are best, as water is less likely to evaporate quickly in the heat.
Water Heater Tips
Summer is a great time to turn down your water heater’s temperature, especially if you’ll be away on vacation. This small adjustment can help reduce your utility bills and keep your home safer while you’re gone. If you don’t know how old your water heater is, check the last four digits of the serial number on the tank to find out when it was manufactured. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-11 years, so it may be time to consider a replacement.
Be Water Wise
Summer is the perfect time to replace older fixtures like showerheads, faucets, and toilets with more water-efficient models. Not only will this help you reduce water consumption, but it will also lower your utility bills and reduce the energy needed to heat your water. It’s an easy way to help the environment while saving money.
From all of us at Culbert Construction & Plumbing, we wish you a happy and problem-free summer!