Summer brings warm weather, longer days, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, it also brings its own set of plumbing challenges. With increased water usage from activities like watering the lawn, filling pools, and hosting guests, your plumbing system can experience extra strain. At Ensor Plumbing, we want to help you keep your home running smoothly all season long. Here’s a look at three of the most common summer plumbing issues—and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Clogged Garbage Disposals
Summer cookouts and backyard parties often mean more food preparation and cleanup. Unfortunately, this can lead to clogged garbage disposals. Foods like corn husks, watermelon rinds, greasy leftovers, and fibrous vegetables (such as celery) can easily jam or damage your disposal.
Prevention Tips:
Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoid placing fibrous foods, bones, oils, or coffee grounds into your disposal. Run cold water while using the disposal. This helps food waste move through the system more easily. Cut food waste into smaller pieces. This reduces the likelihood of clogs. If your disposal does jam or clog, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners. Instead, call a professional plumber to safely clear the blockage.
2. Sewer Line Backups
Summer storms can cause heavy rainfall, which may overwhelm municipal sewer systems and increase the risk of sewer line backups. Additionally, tree roots actively seek out water sources during hot weather, sometimes infiltrating and damaging underground pipes.
Prevention Tips:
Schedule regular sewer line inspections. A professional plumber can detect and address minor issues before they become major problems. Install a backwater valve. This device prevents sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rainstorms. Be cautious about tree planting. Avoid planting trees and large shrubs near your sewer lines to reduce the risk of root intrusion. If you notice slow drains, gurgling toilets, or unpleasant odors, it could be a sign of a sewer problem. Don’t delay—contact a licensed plumber immediately.
3. Washing Machine Hose Leaks
Summer often means more outdoor activities, and with them, an increase in dirty clothes. The extra loads can put added pressure on your washing machine hoses, especially if they’re already aging or worn out. A burst hose can cause major water damage in a short amount of time.
Prevention Tips:
Inspect hoses regularly. Check for bulges, cracks, or leaks and replace hoses that show signs of wear. Use stainless steel braided hoses. They’re more durable than standard rubber hoses and less prone to bursting. Don’t overload your washing machine. Excessive loads can strain hoses and internal components. Experts recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 3 to 5 years, even if they don’t show visible signs of wear.
4. Clogged Toilets
Since the kids are home from school during the summer months, and are usually going to have their friends over as well, your toilets are likely going to be seeing more use during the course of the average day than they do at other times of the year, and all of that increased use means that your toilets are that much more likely to become clogged. While most common clogs can be removed with a plunger, some of the more serious ones might require professional help. One of the easiest ways to avoid this issue is to have a talk with your kids and their friends, and make sure that everyone is aware of what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet, and how much toilet paper is a responsible amount to use. Just ensuring that everyone is one the same page about these two issues will go a long way to helping you avoid nasty toilet clogs this summer.
Stay Ahead of Summer Plumbing Problems
Summer should be a time for relaxation—not plumbing emergencies. By staying proactive and taking a few preventative steps, you can minimize the risk of clogs, leaks, and backups. And if you do experience a plumbing issue, Ensor Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced team can quickly diagnose and repair any problem to keep your home safe and comfortable.
Need help with your summer plumbing maintenance?
Contact Ensor Plumbing today for professional service you can trust!