Summer Plumbing Tips

Summer means longer days, warmer temperatures, and more water usage in your Anderson home. In fact, your summer outdoor water usage alone can overshadow all other water usage in your home over the rest of the year. With increased usage comes the increased risk of plumbing problems, such as clogs, leaks, and water damage. Take a look at these simple summer plumbing tips to save water, prevent plumbing issues, and reduce your energy costs this summer season:

Garbage Disposal

Summer is a time for outdoor parties and cookouts. However, these fun-filled events can spell trouble for your disposal and drains if you’re not careful. Remember that your garbage disposal cannot handle animal bones, corncobs, pasta and rice, cooking greases and fats, or instant “just add water” foods like stuffing and potatoes. Throw all of these leftovers away in your garbage can, rather than risking a damaged disposal or a clogged kitchen drain. Always use cold water with your disposal to solidify any remaining grease and fat so it can be chopped up by the blades and flushed through the pipes.

Washing Machine

More fun in the sun often means more dirty laundry. Check your washing machine hoses to ensure they are in good repair. If you see signs of bulges, cracks, or leaks in the rubber hoses, replace them immediately. You should also consider switching out your rubber hoses for braided metal ones, which provide additional leak protection. Make sure your washing machine is situated at least four inches from the wall to prevent kinking or other damage to the hoses. Turn off the water input to your washing machine when it’s not in use and never leave a load of laundry washing while you’re not at home.

Water Heater

You can save energy by turning your water heater down during the summer, when the ambient temperature is higher and standby heat loss is reduced. Reducing the temperature of your hot water by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit can save you up to $400. If you’re going on an extended vacation for more than a few days, turn your water heater to its lowest setting (often marked “vacation”) to save even more while you’re gone. Summer is also a great time to perform regular maintenance on your water heater by flushing it to remove sediment. Check for standing water around or beneath the appliance, which could indicate a leak or dripping valve that needs to be addressed by your plumber.

Outdoor Faucets

Before hooking up your garden hose, check all outdoor faucets for leaks. Even if you don’t see an obvious leak, spongy ground or standing water beneath the spigot is likely a sign of a plumbing issue. A leaky hose bib is usually due to a broken or missing washer, which you can replace yourself. When you’re through using the water outdoors, shut off the valve and allow any remaining water to drain from your hose before detaching it. The best way to store garden hoses is on a spool or hook with the ends pointed downward to prevent water retention inside the hose, which can lead to bacteria or mold growth.

You can enjoy an eco-friendly and stress-free summer this year by taking steps to ensure your plumbing doesn’t give you any trouble. If you do run into a plumbing snag, your Anderson plumber can help. Visit our website to find out more about our plumbing services or to contact an expert with your questions. You’ll find even more helpful seasonal and general plumbing information, tips, and how-tos on our blog.