Barbecues, the beach, pool parties and hose fights – it doesn’t get better than summer in Australia! But summer also brings extra wear and tear for your plumbing system, and problems can arise. So while you’re doing your fun-in-the-sun duty this summer, spare a thought for your plumbing. Read up on the five common summer plumbing problems below and take some steps to minimise the risks.
- Clogged Loos
With the kids at home all summer, your toilets are sure to be working overtime. Make sure your little ones know to only use a few pieces of toilet paper every time they use the bathroom. If necessary, put some signs around the toilet to remind kids what does and doesn’t go down the pipes. Of course, if you wind up with a problem, keep a plunger on hand to clear the clog or get in touch with a good plumber if the problem is serious or particularly nasty.
- Sewer Line Backups
Sewers can backup when the afternoon storms hit and the ground becomes saturated with rain. Getting your sewers serviced by a professional plumber before the summer comes can help you avoid the worst of the problems while installing a drain plug in each drain can prevent water from backing up during storms. Installing a drain plug is simple and cheap and will make a big difference.
- Sprinkler Head Problems
The heads on your automatic sprinkler systems tend to break over time and this can lead to wasted water and an unhealthy lawn. Before the summer starts, remove the sprinkler heads from your system and take them along with you to the hardware store – this will help you to find an exact replacement.
- Washing Machine Hose Leaks
With the kids off school and getting up to mischief, your washing machine will be working hard to keep up with all the dirty clothes. To prevent flooding, check the hoses at the back of the machine for any possible leaks and replace them if necessary. It’s worth spending a little extra money to get high-quality stainless steel washing machine hoses because they last much longer than their cheaper rubber counterparts.
- Clogged Garbage Disposal
If you’re having lots of barbecues, backyard parties and guests around, your garbage disposal will be seeing a lot of action. Avoid flushing rinds and coffee grounds down the unit, as these tend to build up. Grease and oil are also problematic, so don’t put these down the sink. If your garbage disposal does start to develop a clog, flush it with vinegar and boiling water. If that doesn’t work, contact your local plumber to get the problem sorted and then get back to the party!
Feel Free to Get in Touch
With a bit of luck and some forward planning, you can avoid summer plumbing dramas. But if problems do arise, or if you want more advice on maintaining plumbing during the hotter months, get in touch today.