Summer is the time of year during which water usage is highest
in most Santa Rosa homes. Higher water usage can tax your plumbing, but taking
steps to maintain your pipes, drains, and fixtures can prevent problems for a
stress-free summer. Your Santa Rosa plumber can offer personalized advice and
service if you do encounter summer plumbing trouble you can’t handle.
Washing Machine Hoses
During the summer, your washing machine is often in constant
use, washing sports uniforms, play clothes, bathing suits, beach towels, and
more. Inspect your washing machine hoses regularly to look for signs of wear,
damage, or leaks. Check the area around your washing machine for signs of
standing water as well. If your hoses appear damaged or worn, you should replace
them. Hoses should also be replaced every three to five years, regardless of
their condition. If your washing machine uses rubber hoses, consider replacing
them with braided metal hoses. These hoses are much stronger and more resistant
to wear, but should still be replaced approximately every five years.
Tub and Shower Drains
Summertime often sees an increase in the number of showers
and baths taken in the home, which can increase the chances of a drain clog in
these areas. Mesh drain covers can catch hair and other debris before it can go
down the drain. Empty the drain cover after every use to allow water to drain
easily out of your shower and tub. You can maintain your drains by periodically
flushing them with an eco-friendly drain cleaner, such as enzymatic drain
cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Avoid using caustic drain
cleaning chemicals, as these can cause skin irritation, damage your fixtures,
and even warp your plumbing pipes. Plunging a clogged bath or shower drain can
also help to loosen and clear the material clogging the drain. If you are
having trouble with a stubborn drain and can’t clear it yourself, contact your
plumber for help.
Outdoor Plumbing
Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing fixtures such as hose bibs require a little
maintenance as well. Check outdoor faucets regularly for drips or signs of
leaks, which can waste a significant amount of water when ignored. If you do
notice a leak, there are two likely culprits: the packing nut or the rubber
washer. A leak that appears to come from the faucet’s handle may be fixed by
tightening the packing nut (the nut just beneath the handle that turns the
faucet on and off). Use a pair of pliers to tighten the nut slowly to see if
this solves the problem, but avoid tightening the nut too much. If the faucet
itself is dripping even when tightly closed, the problem is more likely the
washer inside. To access and replace the washer, you’ll need to remove the
handle by loosening the packing nut. Take the old washer
to a hardware store to make sure you purchase a replacement that will fit your
faucet. In some cases, you may need to replace
the entire valve stem to address a leak. If you aren’t sure how to fix your
outdoor faucet or these solutions don’t work, your plumber will be happy to
help you find and implement the right solution.
These tips will help you avoid some of the most common
summertime plumbing problems in Santa Rosa. If you need professional assistance
with maintaining or repairing your plumbing, please visit our website to contact a plumber 24/7—and
we never charge overtime fees. Our blog
contains more helpful articles so you can take an active role in caring for
your home’s plumbing.
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