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Summertime Plumbing Issues to Watch Out For

During the summertime, you may experience certain issues with your pipes in your home’s plumbing that typically won’t occur during other seasons. The extra humidity and heat in the air can cause serious issues for new homeowners, particularly if you aren’t aware of what to look out for. Looking out for common summertime plumbing issues now can help you prevent a major plumbing problem later on and save you money on future repair costs.

Sewer Line Backup

One of the first things you should do to prevent big plumbing issues during the summer is to inspect the underground sewer lines of your home. Many older homes have clay or concrete pipes that are highly susceptible to leaks after years of regular use. Also, older pipes can have trouble with the excess rainwater that are common with summertime rain and thunderstorms, causing major backups and big headaches for you as a homeowner. Additionally, foliage, such as trees and branches, start to grow during the summer and tree roots may protrude into the pipes causing major breakage.

A common sign of sewage trouble you should be on the lookout for is toilet water backing up into the bathtub drain. While Do-it-Yourself projects can be a great learning experience, we recommend you hire a plumbing contractor to help you with any sewage issues.

Lawn Sprinklers

Many homeowners like yourself want to keep their lawns plush and green during the dry summer days, which is why many homes have lawn sprinklers. Lawn sprinklers work by watering the grass at timed-intervals therefore providing moisture all throughout the day. The water used for your irrigation system may be municipal or recycled water. It is important to familiarize yourself with the sprinkler controller in case the sprinklers start malfunctioning and won’t shut off.

Water Pipes

Almost everyone is aware that cracked water pipes can pose big problems during the winter, but what many people don’t know is that pipes can also crack during the summer. Check all your exposed water pipes for any cracks or signs of leakage. One way you can determine leakage is by turning on your kitchen or bathroom faucet and if you notice the water pressure is low, this is a clear sign of water leakage. Also be sure to check the mainline for any mineral or calcium deposits. Deposits need to be removed by professionals to prevent pipe damage and water backup.

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Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal in your kitchen sink is used to dispose of food wastes. However, not all wastes will go down smoothly. Organic foods, such as corn, and oils clog the disposal and can cause damage to the blades. It is also important to check the water connection to the disposal to make sure that it isn’t leaking.

Toilet Issues

You may experience more toilet clogs during the summer due to heavy bathroom traffic. Flush the toilet to check the water pressure. If your toilet takes longer than normal to flush, there may be debris in the toilet that needs to be removed.

Another common issue to watch out for when it comes to your toilet is water damage. If you notice black water stains, rolled vinyl, or sponginess around the base of the toilet, you need to contact a plumber.

The Washing Machine

The hoses that connect your washing machine can bunch up and become damaged. It is important to inspect these hose lines regularly for any ruptures and power off the valves to check for leaks.

Address Summertime Plumbing Issues Early

If you suspect that your plumbing system is having problems, or even if it’s just not working as well as it used to, it’s important to address them right away. Correcting summertime plumbing issues when you notice them can help you avoid a future plumbing disaster that will cost both your time and a great deal of money.

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