Summer is the time to be outdoors, take vacations, go swimming, and enjoy the warm weather.
The last thing you want to worry about are plumbing issues with your home. Read on for
summer plumbing tips that can help you prepare your home, so you can have a relaxing, care
free summer!
1. Inspect for Leaks-
It’s best to check for leaks in the warm weather of summer, since a long winter can have an
impact on your plumbing. Some of the areas that should be inspected include the toilet,
bathtub, and water heater. To check for leaks in the toilet, put food coloring in the tank to see if it leaks to the bowl without you flushing the toilet. In the bathtub, it is essential to check the
grout around the edges to make sure it is securely sealed to the wall tile. If there are missing
portions of the grout, water could leak into places that it should not, such as underneath the
tub or into the wall. Lastly, your tank or tankless water heater should be inspected for signs of
leakage, rust, or other issues, as a typical water heater only lasts 8-12 years.
2. Be Mindful of Your Garbage Disposal-
With all the fruits and vegetables that summer brings, these can wreak havoc on your kitchen
garbage disposal.
Avoid putting the following foods in your disposal:
• Celery
• Banana Peels
• Corn Husks
• Melon Rinds
• Chicken Skin
• Meat Fat
• Carrots
These foods can form clogs and get wound around the blade. It is important to keep your
garbage disposal running smoothly by starting to run cold water about 15 seconds before
sending in the food waste. If your garbage disposal starts to develop an odor, run some citrus
peels through it with cold water and a few drops of dish soap. It is recommended to replace
your garbage disposal every 8-15 years.
3. Give Your Washing Machine A Break-
There is always more laundry in the summer, with swimming, gardening, and yard work. Be
sure to give your washing machine a break, as well as visually inspect the hoses and machine. A rubber washing machine hose should be replaced approximately every 3 years. So, if your hose is ready to be replaced, you may want to consider a stainless-steel hose as it is stronger and lasts longer than rubber.
4. Water Your Lawn At The Right Time-
Did you know that the best time to water your lawn is between midnight and nine in the
morning? If you water your grass between noon and nine at night, you are wasting time and
money, since most of the water will get evaporated by the sun and not make it to the ground. It is best to install a timer so that you are watering at the most optimal times.
It is also suggested to water your lawn deeply once a week instead of a little amount every few days. This promotes deep root growth and leads to a lesser need for watering.
5. Test Your Sump Pump-
If your house has a basement with a sump pump, it is critical that you make sure it is working
correctly for those heavy summer thunderstorms. A failed sump pump can mean a disaster for
your home, so be sure to test your sump pump before it rains to make sure that it will function
in an emergency. If your sump pump is old or does not turn, it may be time replace it. We
recommend adding a sump pump alert system, so that you are alerted when your sump pump
is not working properly.
If you need assistance preparing your home’s plumbing for Summer, call the experts at Komar
Plumbing at 330.758.5073! We can inspect your home’s plumbing and prevent any potential
issues. But if a problem does arise, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services!