The summer season is here and that means spending more time outside and children out of school spending more time at home. That means more showers and baths, more dishes and even more watering of plants in the yard or filling the inflatable swimming pool. So, it’s important to prevent dripping faucets, constantly running toilets or clogged pipes. Did you know that one leaky toilet could fill a swimming pool for one year? The following tips are proven to help keep your plumbing working, according to experts, such as the professionals at Covenant Heating & Air Conditioning.

Prevent Clogged Pipes, Toilets, Garbage Disposal and Drains

Drains are prone to clogging and with the children at home it happens more. Prevent clogs by reminding the entire family about the importance of not flushing inappropriate items down the toilet (baby wipes, cotton swabs, towelettes, dental floss or tampons).

A slow to drain kitchen sink is often due to long-term food buildup or clogged garbage disposal. Another family reminder here is key – every household member needs to avoid putting inappropriate items such as toys down drains. A hair and food-catcher in drains make clean-up easy and prevent serious clogs. If a sink or shower drains slowly, it could be clogged with soap scum, hair, dead skin cells, or toothpaste residue. Homeowner DIY guidelines for unclogging drains. Call your licensed plumber for tough clogs.

Avoid Pipes Cracking or Bursting

Most of us are aware that winter weather can cause frozen water resulting in cracked or burst pipes. In summer, high-water pressure, clogs, and old pipes can also cause pipes to crack or burst. Inspect regularly to look for warning signs.

Tighten Loose Toilet or Sink

You know you have a leak when you see water pooling at the base of a bathroom fixture. Toilets, sinks, and other fixtures must be securely attached to the floor or surface with a tight seal. Fixing these can be as easy as replacing the seal or tightening bolts.

Stop Toilets from Constantly Running

A toilet that is constantly running after the flush cycle typically has a simple reason - the float is too high. Other reasons are the toilet flapper is old/leaking or the refill tube is too long. Simple parts replacements are easy fixes. If unsuccessful - call your licensed plumber.

Fix Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets lead to higher water bills and the cause is often an old part such as a worn-out O-ring or clogged aerator. A poorly installed washer or a corroded valve seat also causes leaks. Checking faucets regularly prevents being surprised suddenly by a leak. Prevention saves costs and reduces water usage.

Make Sure Exterior Wall Pipes Are Properly Sealed

If your home has pipes leading to the home exterior, summer rain can result in leaks unless those pipes are properly sealed where they enter the home. Water that infiltrates your home can cause problems such as wall damage, mold, and mildew.

Repair Leaky Water Hose Bibs and Outdoor Spigots

As you get ready for summer, check your home, yard, and water meter for leaky water hose bibs and outdoor spigots, which can result in higher water costs. Leaks can be due to a worn-out washer, or a loose packing nut. Signs of leaks are seeing wet spots or higher water usage. Caught early, these are a quick fix for your plumber, but can cause serious damage over time.

Fix Septic Tanks

Have a septic tank? More solid waste from increased summer activity occurs due to more flushing, laundry, and showers. Have not had your septic tank pumped out in a couple of years? It’s time! In addition to not putting inappropriate items down toilets or garbage disposals, tree roots can also cause septic tank problems. 

Clear Clogged Sewer Lines

It’s expensive to repair a sewer line so take the preventative step of looking for signs of potential clogs. Signs to be aware of are kitchen and bathroom fixtures bubbling or slow to drain. Smelling sewage can also be a sign of a backup clog. Contact your licensed plumber to inspect and clear your sewer line clogs to prevent further damage.

Prepare for Vacation Away

To avoid unpleasant surprises upon returning home from vacation:

Outside:

• Turn off your main water valve and your sprinkler system.
• Clear gutters so they handle heavy rainfall.
• Complete any needed landscaping that ensures no tree roots get into your pipes.

Inside:

• Empty dishwasher, washing machine and any other water-filled devices to avoid excess moisture buildup and avoid returning home to find water damage or mold.
• Vacation longer than a week or two? Ask a neighbor or relative to check up on your home.

Implementing these Plumbing Tips Helps You Enjoy the Summer Season.

If you need to assess your plumbing readiness, consult with the experts at Covenant Heating & Air Conditioning, serving Pekin, Peoria, East Peoria and Lincoln. Covenant solves water leaks! Servicing over 5,000 property owners in this area, they provide peace of mind you can count on.