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5 Summer Plumbing Problems You Can Avoid This Year

Summertime is the perfect season for guests, grill outs, and gardening, but it’s also (unfortunately) prime time for plumbing problems. New ways of using your indoor and outdoor plumbing systems can bring a new host of problems – but you don’t have to solve them alone. The team at Reynolds Electric & Plumbing is here to help! Follow these tips to get ahead of any potential plumbing hiccups that this summer might bring your way.

1. Sprinkler System Not Sprinkling

After three seasons of not using your sprinkler system, it may need a little bit of care and attention before its busiest time of the year. Give your sprinklers a test before summer sets in – that way you can avoid a costly water bill if damage or leaks have occurred. Check for pump buzzing, pop up failure, or ineffective water pressure. Also, be sure to keep your mowers and weed eaters away from the sprinkler system to prevent damage and clogs. 

2. Water Heater Burnout

It’s common for people to take more showers  in the summer. To prevent your water heater from being overworked, turn down the temperature of your water heater in the summer months when you don’t need your water to be quite so scalding. That way, you can shower worry free. If you do notice that your water is getting cold too quickly, give us a call – it might be something more serious, such as sediment build up in your water tank. 

3. Garbage Disposal Woes

You know you’re not supposed to put cooking oil, grease, or fat down your garbage disposal. But do your guests and their kids at your summer barbeque know that? Stay on top of disposal maintenance by disposing of food waste properly and letting guests know, too! That way you won’t have to reach for the plunger. 

4. Leaky Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets, such as the one you use for your garden hose, probably don’t get much action in the winter. Leaks can be both costly and annoying, so make sure your faucet is tightly sealed to the wall of your home. Check out the rubber washer, and if it’s looking a bit grubby, maybe it’s time for a replacement. 

5. Tree Roots Rooting (Into Your Pipes)

It’s a long, hot, dry summer. As tree roots descend into the soil to seek water, they may encounter your pipes. There’s not too much you can do to prevent this – except have Reynolds Electric & Plumbing in your contacts. We hope this doesn’t happen to you, but if it does, we’ve got solutions.