Seven Summer Plumbing Tips for Homeowners

Are you interested in improving your plumbing system’s performance? Contact RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist at (908) 774-8751!

Taking care of your plumbing system matters during the hot summer months. You need fresh water to clean and do chores, and when the temperatures rise, it can also cool you down. Summer’s fun activities require water; there’s no way around it.

Plumbing systems can experience unique issues during the summer — floods, clogs, and leaks, among other issues.

RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist provides emergency plumbing in Rockaway, NJ. In this guide, we’ll explain seven summer plumbing tips to keep your plumbing system working properly all season long.

1. Clean the Garbage Disposal

When was the last time you cleaned your garbage disposal? Hosting a cookout during the summer may require a lot of work, but garbage disposal makes cooking and clean-up all the much easier. Garbage disposals may handle vast quantities of food waste with ease, yet they require consistent maintenance to function without issue.

There are some food items that you simply cannot place in a garbage disposal, such as the following:

• Fats, oils, and greases (FOG)
• Rice, pasta, and other grains
• Coffee grounds
• Fibrous vegetables, such as potatoes, celery, and asparagus

Avoid placing trash items in the garbage disposal as well.

Taking the time to clean your garbage disposal can ensure that it continues working as it should. You should always power down your unit before cleaning, just to be safe, and then remove any debris from the unit itself.

2. Inspect Sewer Lines

Sewer lines should easily handle vast quantities of liquid waste, keeping your home’s drains and toilets clean and functional. Clogged sewer lines may cause sewage backup in and around your drains, leading to foul odors and potential health problems. Knowing how to inspect your sewer lines is, therefore, one of the most important summer plumbing tips.

Preventing sewer line problems by inspecting them on a regular basis will help you save both time and money. Oftentimes, debris, such as toilet paper and hygiene products, causes sewer line issues, so placing these items in the trash as opposed to toilets can also help prevent problems. Professional plumbers can use state-of-the-art sewer line video cameras to pinpoint and then eliminate blockages throughout your system, even if you didn’t know they were there in the first place.

3. Watch for Hard Water

Hard water occurs when excess minerals accumulate within your home’s water supply. Hard water tastes strange and leaves an unsightly residue, known as soap scum, on appliances, dishes, and faucets. This issue becomes especially common during the summer due to drouts.

Suppose you notice chalk-like white buildup near a sprinkler head, faucet, or anywhere else. You more than likely have hard water. You can remove this nasty buildup with a soap and water mix, but working with expert plumbers to identify and treat the root cause of your hard water problem is the best long-term solution.

4. Adjust the Water Heater

Water heaters require consistent maintenance. These appliances provide a steady supply of hot water, perfect for cleaning clothes and taking baths. Failing to take care of your unit can cause your utility bills to spike; it may even cause safety hazards.

Flush your water heater tank. Removing any mineral deposits by flushing is one of the summer plumbing tips that many homeowners overlook

5. Check Water Pressure

Your washing machine and other appliances require the right water pressure levels: 40-45 PSI. Excess water pressure exerts strain on your system. It makes unit performance falter and may cause leaks or flooding.

Low water pressure also causes problems. Diminished water pressure makes performing household tasks and cleaning difficult. Waste disposal also suffers due to low water pressure, especially during the summer season.

Work with professionals to check your home’s water pressure and make any necessary adjustments.

6. Check Your Sump Pump

Few seasons bring intense storms like the summer. Heavy rain can cause your basement and crawlspace to flood. Checking your sump pump to ensure proper functionality before inclement weather strikes is absolutely crucial.

Turn your pump on. Then, dump a bucket of water into it, testing it to see if it can remove water without any trouble.

Expert Plumbing Services in Rockaway, NJ

While you now know seven summer plumbing tips, you need plumbing experts you can trust to respond quickly when problems arise. RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Specialist provides Rockaway, NJ, residents with the high-quality plumbing services they deserve.

To learn more about what is considered a plumbing emergency or to schedule service, call RDH Plumbing, Sewer, & Drain Services at (908) 774-8751.

Author Bio:
Rob Hernandez

At RDH Plumbing, Sewer, and Drain Specialists, we will take care of all your plumbing needs. We want you to be comfortable in your home. We will take all the stress away. We take great pride in our work and make sure we keep your home clean and that you are well taken care of.