Summer is a problematic time for your home’s plumbing system.
With multiple showers, gardening, and post-BBQ washing up to do, we use more water in the hotter months.
But extra summer usage puts strain on your system. On top of this, hot temperatures can worsen existing plumbing problems, due to thermal pipe expansion.
Knowing the most common summer-plumbing problems means you can take precautionary care to keep your home’s plumbing well maintained throughout periods of high use.
Blocked toilets
The children are off school, you’re hosting barbecues and garden parties. Suddenly your house is full of people. More people means your plumbing system gets pushed to the max. Your toilets in particular can suffer without the right care.
When guests aren’t considerate with what they’re flushing, your toilets are likely to get blocked. Baby wipes and feminine hygiene products are common offenders.
In most cases these blockages can be moved with a regular plunger, so be sure to keep one handy. It’s also a good idea to let guests know what can’t be flushed. And have a bin nearby your toilet so non-flushables can easily be disposed of.
Washing machines
Trips to the beach, long days out and the dreaded post-holiday unpacking, means your washing machine is probably feeling a little over-worked.
But even when they’re being used daily, some people forget to take proper care of their machines. It’s common for your washing machine’s pipes to crack or become blocked with constant use, resulting in flooding and costly repairs.
If water isn’t draining properly, or your clothes don’t feel as clean, you could have a bigger problem with the machine’s plumbing.
Pull your washing machine out, away from the wall to check the water pipes at the back. If you’re still not sure what the problem could be, call a professional plumber for advice.
Sewer line back-ups
Summer thunderstorms can cause flash flooding. If this happens repeatedly, debris washed into the drainage systems can build up and affect your home’s plumbing.
Fallen leaves, rubbish, dirt and debris can all be washed down into the drains when heavy rainfall occurs. Because your home is connected to these wider drainage systems, your home’s plumbing may then become blocked or damaged. If water isn’t draining as it should through your toilet, bathtub or sinks, there could be a back-up in the sewer line.
On the other hand, dry, shifting ground can cause cracks or breaks in the pipes. So, the combination of long, hot days and rainy, stormy nights results in serious damage to your plumbing.
Keeping your property rubbish free, and disposing of garden waste, like fallen leaves and cut grass can help to prevent this. Regularly checking that your home’s water is draining correctly also catches drain issues early, possibly saving your home’s pipes.
If you notice a problem call a professional drainage expert immediately, as these complex jobs cannot be done yourself.
Preventative measures to take this summer
Good plumbing maintenance saves you time, money, and stress during summer.
- Check your appliances regularly for leaks.
- Inspect pipes, taps, hoses and drains for any cracks, breaks or leaks.
- Deal with leaks quickly to prevent water waste and further damage.
- Clean your drains regularly.
- Place waste bins in your bathroom(s) to stop people putting non-flushables down the toilet.
- Use drain covers to catch any debris that could cause a blockage, like hair, soap or fat.
If you do spot a fault in your plumbing system it’s best to call a local plumber to take a look. While you can try and fix it yourself, you risk doing more damage to an already vulnerable system.
Final thoughts
Your plumbing can suffer in the summer without proper care and maintenance. Use water wisely and keep a close eye on all of your home’s plumbing fixtures.
If you do spot a leak or a fault in your plumbing system it’s best to call a professional.
Whether it’s a quick fix or an emergency, getting some expert advice beforehand prevents any further damage to your plumbing – keeping your household happy during the hot summer months.