When it comes to summer’s many challenges, plumbing issues seem like one of the least of your worries. However, it’s important to know the best ways to keep your plumbing system in good shape and prevent problems. When done correctly, summer plumbing maintenance can also save you money and keep your house safe and comfortable. Some of these summer plumbing tips will make your life easier, while others will provide valuable insight into how to properly maintain your plumbing.
1. Inspect for leaks
Before summer, have your plumbing system reviewed by a professional. If possible, have the opportunity to inspect the inside of your pipes before you go on vacation or use this time to do routine maintenance. By finding leaks early on, you’ll be able to prevent damage to your home and water bill. Even worse, if left alone, plumbing leaks can lead to flooding. The added time you take to inspect your plumbing system can help catch leaks before they become a big problem.
2. Clear gutters and downspouts
Once you’ve fixed any leaks, it’s time to clear your gutters and downspouts. By doing this, you can prevent algae and other growth from building up on these structures. They also act as water tanks, so blockages can quickly cause flooding. If you live in a high-risk area, it’s even more important to take care of these water tanks.
3. Pay Attention to Sweating Pipes
Cheap and easy fixes for summer plumbing issues can be a waste of money. If you find that your pipes are sweating during the summer, it’s best to have them looked at by a professional. It’s true that sweating pipes are not as common as leaks, but when this occurs it causes serious damage. Heat in your pipes can lead to burst pipes, which can cause flooding and mold. In case this happens, we do whole home repiping at Danika Plumbing!
4. Insulate Exposing Pipes
Glazing the visible area of your plumbing is one of the best ways to provide added protection. Foam pipe wrap, insulation, and weather stripping will help keep your pipes safe from any dripping or dripping and freezing, which can lead to bursting pipes.
5. Check Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
It’s important to make sure your outdoor faucets and sprinklers are functioning properly. If you live in a high-risk area, it’s also important to check them regularly. The only way to ensure that they are working properly is to check them often. If you find any leaks or other problems, you can take steps to fix the problem and prevent damage from occurring.
6. Check Sprinkler System
While you’re checking your outdoor faucets and sprinklers, it’s also a good time to check your sprinkler system. A lot of people forget to check their sprinkler system regularly, but this is just as important as checking the other items on this list. If you have a problem with your sprinkler system, you can call a professional to make repairs and prevent damage to your basement or other parts of your home.
7. Test Your Sump Pump
Many people forget to check their sump pumps before summer. If you find a problem, it’s important to call a professional and have the problem fixed before it grows into a major issue. Sump pumps work by sucking up water or rainwater that collects in your yard or in gutters. If you fail to check and repair your sump pump, you can be forced to buy a new one when the old one breaks down.
8. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
One of the best ways to look at what you should be doing is by scheduling professional plumbing inspections. A professional will be able to conduct an inspection and give you valuable insight into the condition of your plumbing system. While many people think they need to have a professional come out each season, you might be able to wait as long as six months without an inspection.
9. Clog prevention
Clogs in pipes are a common problem for everyone. When they occur, they can be difficult to remove and can cause serious damage. One of the biggest causes of clogs in pipes is roots. Usually, roots can travel through pipelines as far as 10 feet from an open area. This means that you have to have your pipes thoroughly inspected before the summer so that you can avoid these problems.
Plumbing issues can be a lot to handle during summer. By applying these tips, you can help keep your plumbing system functioning properly. By finding and fixing problems before they grow into major issues, you can save money. In addition, if you have any concerns about your plumbing system over the summer, don’t wait to call a professional plumber. Instead, take precautions to prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
