Summertime is here in Colorado Springs! It’s time for backyard barbeques, green grass, pool time, and all of the things that make summer so special. However, despite all of the fun, summer is a keen time for things to go wrong regarding your plumbing system. Because water usage rises to an all-time high during summer months, things like sprinkler systems, washing machines, and sinks are more vulnerable to leaks, breaks, or malfunctions. As we’re in the middle of the season, here are the most common plumbing problems to look out for in your own home and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
1. Sprinkler System Leaks
That beautiful yard is something to cherish in the summer months. We all love the green grass, the blooming flowers, the herbs popping out of the garden. But the truth is, your sprinkler system can be susceptible to leaks and damage if not properly maintained, especially after being dormant in winter season. After not being used for months on end, sprinkler systems can get dirty, clogged, torn, or more. If your sprinkler system is leaking, it could also rack up your utility bill without you even knowing it.
That’s why it is important to do an annual cleaning of your sprinkler system during the summer time. To clean your system effectively, be sure to cut away all of the grass that is growing over the sprinkler heads and wipe off any dirt or debris on the top of them. Straighten any sprinkler heads that are spraying abnormally, and replace any broken ones.
2. Clogged Garbage Disposal
Breaking out the grill is our favorite thing to do in the summer. Like many families in the Springs, we love to have cookouts, BBQs, 4th of July parties, and anything that involves watermelon, corn on the cobb, and grilled steak. While all of these things are awfully delicious, they can be detrimental to the health of your garbage disposal. To avoid clogging and breaking your garbage disposal, monitor how much you put down at once, making sure that all of the waste is evenly dispersed. Also, avoid putting summer foods like corn cobs, watermelon, fruit rinds, celery, potatoes, bones, and grease. Make sure to run the water a little extra after turning off the garbage disposal, so that you wash out any leftover food residue.
3. Sewer Line Backups
Sewage problems are another common happening during the summertime. Residential sewer lines get backed up often due to the excessive rain that happens during the springtime—the water seeping into the sewer pipes through minor cracks and breaches—and due to any tree root growth, which causes pipes to crack. However, as a homeowner, you can’t exactly predict when these things are happening. The solution to this problem is to have an annual inspection performed by a plumber to check out your sewer line pipes. Plumbing companies will inform you of any leaks, cracks, or clogs that are causing your sewage system to work ineffectively during the summer season.
4. Clogged Toilets
Having the kids home from school and hosting summertime events can put a lot of strain on your toilet. Summertime is a great opportunity to teach your young children to limit their toilet paper use and not to flush things like paper towels, tissues, or any solid items like toys. Put a piece of tape on the wall under the toilet paper roll to indicate the right amount to use. Also, if your toilet does get clogged, it is best to use a flange plunger, instead of a cup plunger. Flange plungers have an extra section that fits into the very bottom of the toilet to more effectively suction.
5. Washing Machine Stress
The final most common plumbing problem that we see during summer has to do with the washing machine. Having all the extra clothes and swimsuits creates many extra loads for your washing machine to handle, and often times, they begin to leak or break and have to be replaced. This can become a costly expense for you and your family, but it can be avoided through proper maintenance. Follow these washing machine maintenance tips to prolong the life of your washer.
Inspect the hoses for weakness, cracks, or rust and replace if necessary
Don’t overload your machine
Make sure your machine is level with the ground (not on any additional platform or floor distortion)
Clean the inside of your washer monthly
Clean out the detergent and fabric softener containers
By doing casual inspections of all of these things around your household, you could prevent these most common plumbing problems and save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and money in the future. As always, if a problem seems to arise or something seems too big of a deal, always call an experienced plumber first.
Remember, Jolly Plumbing is an expert at fixing these everyday issues when it comes to the plumbing system in your house. Do not hesitate to contact us with any of your plumbing needs.