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It is a common misconception that most of our plumbing issues occur during the winter months when pipes freeze and burst. However, with warmer temperatures comes unique problems for your plumbing. Here at Fort Street Plumbing, we want to educate you on any plumbing issues you might encounter during the summer. We will also offer potential solutions to your plumbing problems.
Problems to Watch Out For
With the family home more during the summer, our plumbing systems withstand much wear and tear. As we continue to progress through this season, keep these issues in mind as you use your plumbing systems.
1. Clogged Disposal
Summer barbecues are one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, these parties come with a lot of extra food. Sometimes, this food ends up going down the drain and through our disposals. While this may seem like this is what garbage disposal systems are for, they cannot withstand large amounts of food and grease. Combining both food products and oil creates large clogs in your pipes.
2. Clogged Toilets
If you have kids at home over the summer, chances are they have company over regularly. When toilets are in use more, the possibilities for a clog also increase. Maybe too much toilet paper was flushed down the drain, or perhaps your kids thought it would be funny to throw legos into the porcelain throne. If either of these things happens, you will likely experience a clog.
3. Slow-Clearing Drains
Along with clogs inside of your disposal and toilets, shower issues are pretty common during the summer. With the heat, trips to the shore, and extra time spent bathing; our showers are likely to get stopped up. It’s hard to feel clean when water starts to pool around your ankles, making this an important issue to tackle in your home.
4. Basement Flooding
As we have already entered the rainy season in Michigan, heavy rains can severely impact plumbing in the home. We know it isn’t any fun to walk downstairs and see some of your precious items submerged in water.
5. Sewer Line Backups
Summer thunderstorms don’t just bring along flooding in your basement; they can also affect your sewer lines. So while they might create a pleasant atmosphere, rain can find its way into the sewer lines surrounding your home. This excess water eventually contributes to a backup, which can severely impact your plumbing system.
6. Sprinkler Issues
With the gardening season upon us, people are starting to use their sprinklers again. However, it is easy to run over or step on a sprinkler head accidentally. Furthermore, there is typically more traffic in your yard during the summer months, contributing to any potential accidents.
Solving the Problems
Don’t fear, us at Fort Street Plumbing can offer potential solutions to these problems. Keep reading to find out how to keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape for the summer.
1. Be Careful With Food
When disposing of food in the kitchen, make sure to place all hard and firm waste directly into the garbage. You should ALWAYS avoid pouring grease down the drain, as it clings to any food left in your pipes, causing clogs.
2. Use Less Paper
In the bathroom, tell your family to use less toilet paper. Not only does this save money on usage, but it also prevents potential clogs from occurring. Furthermore, make sure your kids know what DOESN’T go down the toilet.
3. Use Drain Catchers
For any shower issues, consider adding a mesh drain catcher. This tool will help catch any excess debris and hair. You can find mesh drain catchers at any large retail or home improvement store.
4. Secure Your Basement
If a big storm is approaching, consider checking out your sump pump beforehand, as this might help prevent severe flooding from occurring. If water is likely to pour in from the stairwell, try adding sandbags to fortify your home.
5. Regularly Scheduled Maintenance For Sewer
If you are concerned about the state of the pipes in your home, you should consider calling a plumbing professional before the rainy season. By having someone check your house early, you can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
6. Watch For Those Sprinklers
Before starting up your sprinkler system for the first time since last season, make sure to check out the lines for any damage. When mowing your lawn, take extra care not to damage the sprinkler heads. This will help avoid any potential leaks.