Introduction
Summer season is about to begin and as the temperature rises, we must prepare ourselves for any problems related to plumbing that can come. There are various problems like leaking faucets, improper functioning of drains, or malfunctioning sprinklers that can arise and because of that, we must take preventive measures to avoid them.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance
The first step to summer plumbing preparations is to check your outdoor plumbing fixtures. Check all the hoses and faucets for leaks or any signs of damage. Even if there’s a small leak, then it can lead to wastage of a lot of water so you must fix them.
It is also important to focus on your sprinkler system. Ensure that each head of the sprinkler is working properly so that it can function well and distribute water efficiently.
Sump Pump and Water Pressure
Having a proper working sump pump is very important, especially during the summer months when heavy rains can occur. Check your sump pump by putting water into the sump pit and ensuring that it works well. You can then clean the pump and pit so that you can remove any dust or debris that can cause issues with the functioning of the pump.
Check the water pressure of your homes regularly as high pressure can cause leaks or bursts in pipes. You can also install a pressure regulator if it is necessary to maintain a safe and proper water pressure over time.
Professional Plumbing
Before the summer arrives, you must perform a proper check of the plumbing system with the help of a professional plumber. With a proper inspection, you can find any issues that may be not visible while you are checking. The plumber will inspect your plumbing system including pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and drains. If any issues arise, then he can fix them early and that will prevent costly plumbing repair and any water damage in the future.
Seasonal Plumbing Tips
- Winterize outdoor plumbing fixtures in the fall
Before the winter arrives, disconnect outdoor hoses and also shut off any outdoor faucets so that you can prevent any damage to them during the cold winter. - Insulate exposed pipes
Protect any pipes that are exposed to the unheated areas of your home like crawl spaces and attics. If they are not protected, then they can suffer damages. - Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
Remove any debris, leaves, and other objects from your gutters and downspouts regularly. If the gutters are filled, then it can lead to water backup and that will damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
Green Plumbing Solutions
- Install a rainwater harvesting system
You can harvest rainwater from your roof so that it can be used for watering plants, washing cars, or flushing toilets. This rainwater harvesting system will reduce your dependence on municipal water and will promote sustainable use of water - Upgrade to energy-efficient water heaters and appliances
Replace your old water heaters and appliances with models that are energy efficient. These water heaters will use less energy to heat water, will reduce your electricity bill and protect the environment. - Use environmentally-friendly drain cleaners and plumbing products to protect the environment and your plumbing system. Try eco-friendly drain cleaners and plumbing products that are safe.
Emergency Preparedness
- Know the location of your main water shut-off valve
Make yourself familiar with the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home so that you can turn it off during any plumbing emergency. - Keep emergency plumbing supplies on hand
Store some of the very essential plumbing items like pipe repair tape, plumbing repair, plungers, and drain snakes so that in case of emergency, you can use them. - Have the contact information for a reliable emergency plumber
Keep the contact of a good and reliable plumber handy so that in case of any plumbing emergency, you can contact them.
Conclusion
Taking all the measures mentioned above will help you to cope with any plumbing issues that you might face. If you are preparing for summer for bathroom renovation, you can practice all the things mentioned above so that you can protect your time, energy, and money by staying stress-free about any plumbing problems that may arise. Enjoy the summer!