Ah, summertime; and the living is easy. Or so the song goes.

Actually, summer is a fun time for many; however, it is also a time to be watchful with your plumbing.

There are several easy summertime plumbing system preventive maintenance tips such as turning your water heater down and your refrigerator up before going on vacation.

These two actions will lower your energy bills. It is also important to remove anything perishable from your frig before going on a trip such as meat, fruit, and dairy products.

Caution with your garbage disposal

Many have cookouts during summer months but during these happy times stay cautious, once the cookout has ended, on what you put down your garbage disposal.

Cooking oils can damage your disposal, as well as products such as hard fruits, corn, or watermelon.

Leftover mashed potatoes or stuffing can also cause a problem, especially when water is added to the food.

For best results, before putting anything down the drain, run some cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after you put anything down your garbage disposal.

Summertime Plumbing tip for your washing machine

Another easy summertime plumbing system preventive maintenance tip is to ease up on your washing machine.

Many families during the summer put in extra loads; some loads come from swimming or playing outside.

It is important, between loads of laundry, to give your washing machine a break in the action; this will prevent undue stress on your machine.

In addition, some also recommend having a technician look for bulges, leaks, and cracks in your washing machine. This could prevent a big problem when you least expect it.

Don’t forget your sprinkler system

During the summer, your sprinkler system sometimes works overtime.

Because this is true for many, be sure to check your entire sprinkler heads to ensure that they are not leaking and that they are working as they should.

Easy on the toilets

Children at home during the summer, use toilets often during the day.

Take time, if you haven’t already, to talk with them about only using certain amounts of toilet paper.

This could prevent a clog in your toilet(s). Of course, it is also important that they know not to flush certain things down the toilet; especially feminine hygiene products and thick paper towels.

Water that is not used should be turned off

Children love to turn on hoses and faucets outside; it helps them to cool off.

Blowing up pools or turning on the sprinkler; makes it fun for children and their friends.

Because children are easily distracted during the summer, once they are done having fun with water, check to see that the water has been turned off. This will avoid high water bills.

To conclude, summer is a fun time for everyone; especially when taking a vacation or enjoying a backyard barbeque with friends and family.

However, it is also a time to be watchful with your plumbing.

Follow the above easy plumbing preventive maintenance tips and have a great summer!

Signature

Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982.

Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license.

He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.