Summer is one of the busiest times of year for families—and surprisingly, it’s also one of the busiest seasons for plumbing problems. Between kids home from school, house guests, backyard barbecues, and increased water usage, your plumbing system works harder than usual.
A little preventative maintenance can help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs. Here are a few simple plumbing tips to keep everything flowing smoothly this summer.
1. Watch What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
Summer cookouts often mean more food scraps ending up in the kitchen sink. While your garbage disposal is convenient, it isn’t designed to handle everything.
Avoid putting these items down the disposal:
- Corn husks
- Watermelon rinds
- Celery
- Bones
- Grease and cooking oils
- Coffee grounds
Instead, throw these items in the trash or compost to help prevent clogged drains.
2. Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
A slow drain may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s often the first sign of a larger blockage forming inside your pipes.
If your sinks, showers, or tubs are draining slower than usual, scheduling a professional drain cleaning now can help prevent a complete backup later.
3. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Winter freezing temperatures can leave behind hidden damage that doesn’t become noticeable until summer.
Take a few minutes to:
- Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks.
- Check garden hoses for cracks.
- Make sure hose bibs aren’t dripping.
- Look for wet spots around the foundation after using outdoor faucets.
Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of the summer.
4. Give Your Water Heater Some Attention
Even though we often think about hot water during the winter, your water heater still works hard all summer long.
If you haven’t had your water heater inspected recently, consider:
- Flushing sediment from the tank.
- Checking the temperature setting.
- Looking for rust or leaks.
- Listening for unusual noises.
Regular maintenance can improve efficiency and help extend the life of your water heater.
5. Protect Your Sewer Line
Summer storms and growing tree roots can create problems underground.
Watch for warning signs like:
- Multiple drains backing up.
- Gurgling toilets.
- Sewer odors.
- Wet patches in your yard.
A sewer camera inspection can identify problems before they become expensive emergencies.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Water Bill
If your water bill suddenly increases without explanation, you may have a hidden leak.
Common hidden leaks include:
- Running toilets.
- Underground water lines.
- Dripping faucets.
- Leaking irrigation systems.
Finding leaks early can save water and prevent costly property damage.
7. Install a Water Softener if You Have Hard Water
Many homeowners in Missouri deal with hard water, which can shorten the life of water heaters, plumbing fixtures, and appliances.
A water softener helps:
- Reduce mineral buildup.
- Improve water heater efficiency.
- Extend appliance life.
- Make cleaning easier.
- Leave skin and hair feeling softer.
If you’ve noticed white mineral deposits or frequent plumbing repairs, hard water could be the culprit.
Enjoy Summer—Not Plumbing Problems
The best way to avoid plumbing emergencies is with a little preventative maintenance. Taking care of small issues before they become major repairs can save you time, money, and stress during the busiest season of the year.
Whether you need drain cleaning, a water heater repair, a new water softener, or help diagnosing a plumbing issue, Water Heater Man is here to help. We proudly serve Lebanon, Missouri, and the surrounding communities with honest service, quality workmanship, and fast response times.
Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to interrupt your summer. Contact Water Heater Man today to schedule your service and enjoy peace of mind all season long.