Whether you’re filling up the kiddie pool or watering your garden, it’s normal for household plumbing activity to peak in the summer. But with all these extra demands, your system will endure added stress—increasing the risk of clogged drains, leaky pipes, and excessive water usage. To avoid these challenges, here are five tips to practice this summer.

How to Maintain Your Plumbing This Season

1. Adopt Smart Garbage Disposal Habits

Many food materials—especially those left behind after a backyard barbecue—can damage garbage disposal blades and contribute to clogged drains. To protect your unit, put fibrous vegetables, grease, eggshells, bones, coffee grounds, potatoes, pasta, nuts and seeds, corn husks, and onion skins in the trash instead.  

2. Use Sprinklers Strategically

Throughout the summer, routinely check your lawn for unusual wet spots. These may indicate leaks or loose fixtures that need to be repaired. To avoid wasting water, it’s also smart to schedule your automatic sprinklers to turn on in the early morning. If you wait too long to turn them on, the moisture will evaporate in the heat, doing both the lawn and your water bill no favors.

3. Reduce Water Heater Temperature

With it being hotter outside, you might be more comfortable bathing and showering if you lower the water heater temperature a few degrees. This measure can also cut energy costs. When you’re away on summer vacation, reduce the temperature even more so you’re not wasting resources.

4. Check Hoses After Use

From powering slip-and-slides to assisting with car washes, hoses get a lot of use in the summer. Unfortunately, it’s common for people—especially kids—to forget to turn these hoses off all the way, leading to considerable water waste. If anyone in your household is making use of a hose, remind them to double-check the valve to make sure it’s totally off.

5. Defend Shower Drains

Rinsing off dirt and sand in the shower after your outdoor summer activities can increase the risk of clogged drains. To avoid problems, wipe yourself off as much as possible before entering the shower. Putting a mesh cover in the drain can also help.

 

Serving the Canyon Lake, TX, area for more than four decades, Don’s Plumbing knows how to keep the water flowing all summer long. Backed with state-of-the-art tools, this Comal County residential plumber can address many household concerns—including water heater repairs, clogged drains, and leaky pipes. No matter how complicated the job, count on this professional to work swiftly and provide reliable solutions for a competitive rate. To learn more about these offerings, visit them online. Call (830) 964-4477 to make an appointment.