The warm weather, the longer nights, and the smell of the barbecue going are just some of the wonderful parts of summer in the Pacific Northwest.
Summertime also brings significant water use, whether it’s watering your garden, or filling up the mini pool for your kids to splash in. Is your plumbing ready for summer fun?
To ensure it is, here are some tips on keeping your plumbing in prime shape this summer.
Tip #1: Check Your Washer
More time outside means more dirty clothes and more laundry. Before summer is in full swing, pull out your washer and make sure the hoses are in good shape. Look for leaks, cracks, or bulges. If it’s been more than three years, replace the hoses. When you move the washer back in place, be sure it’s about 4 inches from the wall so the hoses don’t kink up and cause damage to the machine or your wall.
Tip #2: Be Careful What You Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Lots of summer barbecues mean that you may have more food to put into your kitchen garbage disposal. But, be careful what goes in there – your disposal isn’t meant to deal with celery, banana peels, eggshells, corn husks, or other stringy foods. This could cause clogged pipes. In addition, putting “just add water” foods into your disposal will instantly clog it and cause you a big headache.
Tip #3: Pay Attention to Your Water Temperature
If you’re on the road in the summer traveling all over, be sure to turn down the water heater while you’re gone. This can help save energy while you’re gone and you may even see a slight decrease in your utility bill at the end of the month.
Tip #4: Conserve Water
Saving water as much as possible during the summer is important. Set timers on your sprinkler if you need to use them to water your lawn or garden area. Another good way to conserve water is to use your dishwasher rather than washing dishes by hand. Dishwashers today are energy efficient and can play a big part in water conservation.
Tip #5: Watch Out for Clogged Drains, Toilets and Sewers
Summer is a common time to see clogged drains and toilets because people are at home more and using plumbing more frequently. A backed-up pipe is a nightmare and can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. Avoid clogs by keeping drains clean and free of debris. Place sink strainers in the kitchen. Reduce your dependence on garbage disposal by composting. Don’t put things down the drains that could potentially cause a problem. Kitchen grease in particular can clog pipes.
Tip #6: Be Aware of Problems with Your Sprinkler
Automatic sprinkler systems can break, so be sure to test the system before the worst of summer’s heat. Old heads may need to be replaced, having been lost over winter. Getting your sprinkler system ready before July will mean your sprinklers will be ready to run through at a moment’s notice, and keep your yard and garden green and growing, even when it’s 95 degrees outside.
Call Apollo Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Drain for Your Summer Plumbing Needs
Most of all, make sure you schedule annual maintenance inspections on your plumbing by a professional plumber so you can make sure you are on top of any plumbing issues that may arise throughout the year. If you need assistance, our plumbing specialists at Apollo Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help get your plumbing system ready to tackle the summer months, so contact us today.
