Watch Out for These 3 Common Summer Plumbing Problems

Summer may be the season for relaxation, but it’s also the season of plumbing repairs for many homeowners. With the kids out of school, more time spent indoors, and family visiting from out of town, it should come as no surprise that your home’s plumbing is put to the test during the summer months.

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is an unexpected plumbing problem. Here are a few of the most common issues homeowners experience so you can be better prepared to identify issues before they become a plumbing emergency.

1. Clogged Toilets

Like it or not, your toilets see a lot more use during the summer months and all those flushes put strain on your system—especially if kids are flushing the wrong things down the bowl! This increased use often leads to clogged toilets and sewer lines.

Encourage kids to use a minimal amount of toilet paper rather than flushing large wads down the system. This will help prevent backup in the first place. If the toilet keeps getting clogged, schedule a plumbing repair appointment to make sure the clog is completely removed.

2. Garbage Disposal Issues

Garbage disposals are a great tool, but when they’re used improperly, they’re prone to clogs and breakdowns. With the family spending more time at home, make sure only the appropriate items are going down the disposal.

Put scraps like banana peels, coffee grounds, melon rinds, corn cobs, and used cooking oil straight in the garbage. Always run cold water down the disposal when it’s in use and call a plumber immediately if the system starts sounding strange. The sooner the issue is fixed, the less damage is done to the system.

3. Slow Drains

The summer heat often means more showers just to get rid of sweat and grime throughout the day. Unfortunately, this can put strain on your drains, increasing the amount of hair, soap scum, and dirt that can get stuck in the pipes. Over time, this often results in slow drain flows that, when left unrepaired, can lead to complete clogs. If you notice a slow-moving drain, call a plumber. Avoid using commercial drain cleaner as it can do extensive and permanent damage to your pipes.

Experiencing any of the above plumbing issues or worried about a strange noise coming from your water heater? Contact us here at The Plumber Guy to schedule an appointment.