Summertime means increased activity and increased traffic in your home. This leads to more flushes of the toilet, more loads of clothes to wash and more dishes to clean. With longer days and increased guests, it’s a good time to take stock of the current state of your plumbing system, including the laundry hoses, sprinkler settings, and all the fixtures. Here are 5 tips to get you started.
Prep your sinks garbage disposal by doing a thorough cleaning. Toss a few handfuls of ice cubes into your sink, followed by 1/2 a cup of salt. Let the water run before switching on your disposal and letting it work for about two minutes. This gives the blades just enough time to crush the ice and get rid of built-up food particles. Turn off the water and pour about half a box of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Allow it to fizz for about 15 minutes before running the water and your disposal will be ready for business!
Set your sprinkler system to start at appropriate times during the day. By watering your lawn in the early morning or evening, you’re prepping your yard for the heat by pre-soaking it. Since you’re not wasting water that’s being evaporated as soon as it’s sprayed, you’ll end up saving money!
Inspect faucets, showerheads, water heater, toilets, etc. for any signs of leaks or damage. Look for visible leaks, signs of leaks like rust, and broken or bent parts. It might help to have a few paper towels with you to reach beneath cabinets and in dark spaces to see if there’s any moisture. Take note of any leaks so that you can have them fixed, as leaks can cause structural damage and lead to costly repairs.
Inspect washing machine hoses that may need to be replaced. Many older washers have rubber hoses that need to be replaced every three years. Replacing the old rubber hoses with braided stainless steel washing machine hoses will help prevent leaks and serious water damage.
Know where your main water valve is located in case of an emergency. It can typically be found on the perimeter of the house, where the water first enters your home. Your city water main begins at the street and heads in a straight line to your home, so stay on the side of the house that is facing the street. If all else fails, call the water company’s 24-hour emergency contact line. Staff may be able to direct you on how to shut off the water by yourself or to wait for an emergency dispatch team.
The summer months tend to hold a special place in peoples’ hearts. It can be a magical time of the year to be outdoors, go swimming, have cook-outs, visit with friends and do all the fun things we like to do when the weather is nice. North East Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing wants to help you enjoy your summer! Contact us today for a comprehensive and honest evaluation of your plumbing system.
