As summer approaches, homeowners should start thinking about their home’s plumbing system. Luckily, there are several easy ways to prevent clogged drains, leaks, and other issues. Follow these tips to enjoy the summer while keeping your plumbing system in good shape. Just remember to avoid placing any leftovers into the garbage disposal.
Avoid clogged drains
If you’d like to prevent clogged drains during summer, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to avoid flushing anything down your drains, even toilet paper. Use your kitchen sink and toilet only for food that doesn’t belong in the garbage, and don’t put grease down the sink. Additionally, educate your family about proper drain usage. Hire a plumber in Thousand Okas for any type of plumbing work.
As you’re preparing to host a summer party or barbecue, remember to take your plumbing into consideration. A backyard barbecue puts a lot of pressure on your drains, and certain things, like bones and large bits of food, can cause clogs. If you notice your sink or toilet is running slowly or is making strange noises, you should immediately call a plumbing expert.
Check for clogged drains
Summer is a common time for clogged drains and toilets. Luckily, you can prevent clogs before they become a problem by keeping your drains clean. In the kitchen, you can use strainers to keep grease and other solid waste from entering the drain. Also, consider composting to help reduce your dependence on the garbage disposal. Do not use drain cleaners, paper towels, or other products that may clog pipes.
A blockage can be caused by the buildup of materials over time, or by one large object. Common culprits include solid food, hair, cooking grease, soap residue, and mold.
Avoid putting leftovers in the garbage disposal
While putting leftovers in the garbage disposal is a popular way to get rid of waste, you should avoid doing so with certain types of food. Potato peels, for instance, are hard and may become stuck in the garbage disposal’s blades. Potatoes, asparagus, and rice are also not ideal for putting into the disposal because they can get stuck inside the pipes and cause clogging. Also, be sure not to put grits or eggshells into the disposal. These can also clog pipes and cause odors.
Another item you should avoid putting down the garbage disposal is chicken skin. Not only will chicken skin clog the plumbing, but it can also contain bacteria. Apples, bananas, and citrus peels are safe to put into the disposal, but make sure not to put their skins on because they can stick to the disposal’s blades.
Conserve water
Summertime is one of the most water-intensive times of year. Besides the usual needs of water for drinking and cooking, water usage is also high due to outdoor activities. Water is also consumed to cool and maintain home temperature. Hence, it is important to conserve water when doing plumbing in the summer months.
Despite the increasing demand for water, only 1% of Earth’s water is usable for human use. Many states have forecasted that water shortages may be imminent. In addition, rising temperatures lead to increased usage of water, which in turn leads to higher water bills. However, there are easy ways to conserve water.
During the summer months, water usage is increased by 25 to 50 percent. Taking care to conserve water will save you money on utility bills and help protect our water sources. It will also reduce water pollution in local water sources. Water-efficient faucets, showerheads, and aerators can save water by up to 2.5 gallons per minute. Also, you can install insulation in your home to increase the speed of hot water.
