Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it can also bring a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing system. The increased water usage and various outdoor activities can put additional strain on your pipes, drains, and fixtures. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common summer Middletown plumbing problems and provide tips on how to prevent and address them.
Increased Water Usage
During the summer months, water usage typically skyrockets. Whether it’s from kids being home for the summer, taking extra showers to cool off, or watering the garden, the demand on your plumbing system can be substantial. This increased usage can lead to a number of issues:
- Water Pressure Problems: If multiple water-intensive activities are happening simultaneously, you might notice a drop in water pressure. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to shower or water your plants. To mitigate this, try to stagger your water usage throughout the day. Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening when overall household water demand is lower.
- Higher Water Bills: Increased water usage inevitably leads to higher utility bills. To keep costs in check, consider water-efficient fixtures and regularly check for leaks.
Clogged Drains
Summer activities often mean more dirt, sand, and debris finding their way into your home and, consequently, your drains. Here are a few common causes of clogged drains during the summer and how to prevent them:
- Outdoor Activities: After a day at the beach or playing in the yard, it’s easy for sand, dirt, and small stones to end up in your drains. To prevent this, make sure to rinse off outside before coming indoors. You can also place a drain cover in your shower or bathtub to catch debris before it enters the plumbing system.
- Increased Showering: More frequent showers can also lead to hair and soap scum building up faster in your drains. Regularly clean your drain covers to keep things flowing smoothly.
Clogged Kitchen Sink or Disposal
Summer barbecues are a great way to enjoy the season, but they can wreak havoc on your kitchen sink. The combination of grease, food particles, and increased dishwashing can lead to stubborn clogs:
- Grease Buildup: Pouring grease down the drain is a common mistake that can cause major blockages. Instead, let the grease cool and dispose of it in the trash. Use a paper towel to wipe off greasy pans before washing them to minimize the amount of grease that enters your pipes.
- Food Particles: Large food scraps can also cause clogs. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain. Avoid putting bones, shells, and fibrous or starchy foods like potato peels and pasta down the garbage disposal, as they can quickly cause backups.
Summer can be hard on your plumbing system, but with a little vigilance and some preventative measures, you can avoid many common problems.
Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for plumbing services in Middletown, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal.