Most people think of summertime as backyard barbecues, sunbathing, family vacations, and extra time with the family. Many of us don’t think about plumbing issues. But it is something we should pay attention to so that you don’t end up with serious headaches later.
It is possible to have a variety of plumbing problems during the warmer months. Be aware of what they are and what you can do if you experience one in your home.
What can you do to protect your home from plumbing issues this summer?
Our team of Long Beach plumbers have put together this list to answer those questions. It lists the most common problems and the best ways to protect your home from them throughout the summer.
Clogged Drains
Summer is a time when many of us look forward to getting out the grill and throwing a few summer barbecues for our friends and family.
You should be mindful of how you dispose of food scraps and other cooking products if you’re one of these homeowners. Even though your produce may be organic, it’s not a good idea for your in-sink garbage disposal to have any of it, especially if you want to get rid of fruits and hard vegetables.
These materials can cause severe damage to your disposal’s blades or create clogs that are impossible to remove. Your disposal unit can also be affected by used cooking oils or grease. It is best to dispose of them elsewhere after you have finished cooking.
You should also ensure that your disposal unit is running cold water before and after you place anything down. This will help to remove any leftover food or debris.
Backups for sewer lines
Summer showers, in addition to the heat, are quite common, especially when the afternoons heat up. If your area experiences excessive rainfall, the water can find its way into your sewer pipes through cracks or the like. This could cause your sewer line back up into your house. Invasive tree roots are another problem that homeowners often face.
The growing season for many types of trees and plant life is the summer months. Sometimes, the roots of these trees can penetrate your plumbing pipes and spread underground.
You should immediately call a Long Beach plumber if you notice signs of your sewer lines backing up, such as water backing up into your toilet or your bathtub drains. Sewer line problems are not something that will go away by themselves. They can cause severe damage to your home if left untreated.
Toilets that are clogged
As more family members move into the home, the likelihood is that the home’s toilets will see increased use, especially when kids are at school.
Due to this increase in toilet paper usage, it is crucial to ensure everyone is on the exact same page about what toilet paper can and cannot be flushed and how much toilet tissue is acceptable.
The most common problem we see in the summer is blocked toilets and drains. While the simpler ones can be easily cleared with a plunger or a sandpaper, more complex ones may require the assistance of a professional Long Beach plumber.