Protect Your Pipes from Common Summer Plumbing Problems
Summer activities can end up causing problems with the plumbing system in your San Antonio home. When these problems occur, they can lead to major leaks and water damage if they’re not repaired promptly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of having plumbing problems this summer. Keep these common plumbing problems in mind while enjoying the season.
Clogged Shower and Tub Drains
When you spend time outside or at the beach, sand and dirt become a concern for your shower and tub drains. Sand and dirt can lead to clogs that prevent water from being able to drain properly, which can result in water damage if it overflows. Keep in mind that there’s a higher risk of having shower and tub drain clogs from sand and dirt if you have older pipes. These particles tend to move through newer pipes made of smoother materials, such as PVC, more easily.
Garbage Disposal Problems
If you plan on having summer barbecues or cookouts, be careful about what you’re putting in your garbage disposal afterwards. Certain foods, such as corn husks and onion skins, can get caught on the blades and damage the motor. Large bones from pork and other meats, as well as grease and oils, can also damage your disposal. Starchy foods, such as paste and potato peels, can expand and form a paste-like substance that could lead to clogs.
Watching what you put in your garbage disposal is one way to keep it in good condition this summer. You should also cut up bigger food items into smaller pieces before putting them in your disposal, and make sure you have cold water running while using it.
Water Heater Issues
Your water heater might end up working harder than usual during summer, especially if you have your kids home, all or most of the time. With your kids home more often, your water heater will need to provide hot water more frequently for showers and baths, your dishwasher, and your washing machine if you tend to use the hot setting. This can lead to wear and tear on your water heater, which could result in problems that require repairs.
Having a professional inspection and routine maintenance done on your water heater this summer can help prevent problems from occurring. During these visits, technicians can look for possible signs of trouble with your water heater and deal with them as needed in order to reduce the risk of more serious damage.