Knowledge is power. The more you know about the plumbing problems that can strike your home or business, the easier it is to prevent them. You know what to look for, the importance of regular plumbing inspections and maintenance, and what to do when disaster strikes.
Be prepared for a stress-free summer ahead when you’re aware of and can respond to these common summer plumbing problems:
1. Clogged Toilets and Drains
Why it happens: Toilet and drain clogs can occur at any time, but they can be more frequent during the summer. The kids are home from school, and you might even have a few summer visitors. These circumstances result in increased toilet use and a higher likelihood of a blockage.
Prevention tips:
- Flush only human waste and toilet paper
- Don’t use excessive amounts of toilet paper
- Inspect the toilet tank for signs of damage or buildup
- Don’t use flushable wipes
Already have a blocked toilet or drain? Here is a helpful DIY guide on how to deal with the blockage. If you don’t have a plunger, try these plunger-free methods.
2. Clogged Garburators
Why it happens: Summer can be a time when you see more clogs in your garburator due to the change in food being consumed. More time outside with friends and family means more cookouts and food waste, such as corn husks, watermelon rinds, and grease. These can all present challenges for our garburators. Many signs can indicate a clogged garburator, including slow/no drainage, foul smells, and a humming or grinding sound.
Prevention tips:
- Don’t put fibrous foods down it, such as corn husks, banana peels, and potato peels
- Avoid grease, oil, fat, starchy foods, coffee grounds, and egg shells
- Clean your garburator regularly
- Run cold water while grinding food
- Don’t overload the garburator
- Cut large food into small pieces
Is your garburator blocked? Follow these helpful tips for unclogging it.
3. Sewer Line Backups
Why it happens: As most Canadians are aware, there are numerous weather hazards to contend with during the warmer months of the year. Lightning, rain, floods, storms, wind, tornadoes, and hail are just some of the many! As a result, it’s not uncommon for property owners to encounter sewer line backups. This plumbing problem typically occurs during heavy rainstorms, when water overwhelms sewer systems, causing backflow.
Prevention tips:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet
- Don’t pour grease or oil down your drains
- Regularly clean your drains
- Plant trees and bushes away from sewer lines
- Install a backwater valve to stop sewage from flowing into your home
- Schedule regular inspections and maintenance with a plumber you trust
- minimize water use during heavy rainfall
Has your sewer line backed up? Contact a trusted emergency plumber immediately.
4. Sprinkler System Leaks
Why it happens: Sprinkler systems are at an increased risk of harm during the warmer months of the year, especially with increased foot traffic and lawn mower use.
Prevention tips:
- Regularly inspect your sprinkler heads
- Turn off your sprinkler system before mowing the lawn
- Test your sprinkler system regularly
- Winterize your system to prevent damage during the colder months
- Install water sensors to detect leaks
- Monitor for signs of corrosion
- Investigate any unusual water bills
5. Leaking Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Why it happens: Winter-related damage sometimes isn’t apparent until warmer weather arrives. For example, lower temperatures can cause cracks, splits, and damage to outdoor taps and hoses. These issues can then only become apparent when you try to fill up your kiddie pool or have water fights with the kids.
Prevention tips:
- Inspect your faucets and replace any worn washers or connectors
- Ensure all connections are tight
- improve seals with Teflon tape
- Check around the hose bibs for holes or cracks
- Shut off and drain outdoor taps before winter arrives
- Invest in frost-proof faucets
Do you suspect a leak in your outdoor faucet or hose? Learn how to fix it here.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for All Your Summer Plumbing Woes
Enjoy the sunshine without worrying about your plumbing system. If you experience any of these plumbing issues or others, contact the friendly team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing®. Whether you have a blockage, a leak, or a serious plumbing emergency, our licensed and insured plumbing team is here to take care of you this summer – and all seasons! Call us or request a job estimate online.
