As temperatures start to swelter, your plumbing system gets put under a lot of pressure. From extra visitors to summer storms, you can expect more flushes of your toilets, more clothes to clean, more dishes to do and inclement weather to prepare for. To ensure your system is up for the task, there are routine checks you can do to prevent plumbing problems from occurring when you least expect them.
Check Your Water Pressure
With extra activity throughout your home, you’ll rely heavily on a steady, solid water pressure. The standard household water pressure should be between 40-50 pounds per square inch (psi) and never exceed 60 psi. To assess the current level of your water pressure, turn on your bathtub and kitchen faucets at the same time and see if water runs slower in either spot. If you notice softer pressure during a test or later on, we recommend calling your local plumber to come assess the problem and see if your water pressure regulator is calibrated correctly.
Service Your Sprinklers
Sprinkler heads are already notorious for leaking, but lawnmowers, foot traffic and pets can also contribute to the damage. As you think about watering your grass in warmer weather or letting your kids run wild under the water, make it a priority to double-check all your sprinkler heads for rust and other types of damage. You can take the old heads to a hardware store and find their exact replacements.
Test Your Sump Pump
Late summer storms are right around the corner. The last thing you want is to wake up after a severe storm and walk into a flooded basement. To ensure your sump pump is ready for Indiana’s unpredictable weather, pour a bucket of water into your sump pit and wait to see if it processes the water. If it doesn’t, you need to call a plumber right away so they can replace it. Even if you don’t live in a flood-prone area, we always recommended installing a sump pump. Investing in a sump pump is a lot less expensive than recovering from a flooded basement.
Protect Your Garbage Disposal
Backyard BBQs, family gatherings and pool parties mean delicious food and fun. The food may taste good to you, but your garbage disposal doesn’t feel the same way. Your garbage disposal is designed to break down food, but there are certain items that can break the blades and clog the pipes. Stringy foods like celery, banana peels and corn husks should never be put down your disposal. We also recommend throwing melon rinds, meat fat and grease in the trash — not the disposal. If you do not want to put leftovers to waste, you can start a compost pile to safely remove old food from your home.
Monitor Your Washer
Spending more time outdoors in the summer means more laundry. Whether you’re digging around in your garden or playing outside, extra showers and clothes mean more work for your washing machine. Heavier loads can lead to blockages and overflows, so you need to inspect your washer and all its parts to ensure there are no cracks, water, mold or mildew. If you notice buildup or a distressed hose, call your plumber to have it serviced.
Experiencing a plumbing problem? Call Justin Dorsey Plumbing!
No matter your summer plans, your plumbing shouldn’t get in the way. With more than 30 years of professional plumbing experience, we know how important it is for your plumbing system to operate as efficiently as possible. From sump pump servicing and water pressure fixes to garbage disposal replacements and washing machine troubleshooting, the professionals at Justin Dorsey Plumbing are here for you! Contact us any time!