As summer commences, maintaining your water pipes is crucial to avoid any unexpected mishaps. For that reason, it’s important to have plumbing repairs and maintenance done to protect your pipes in order for your summer activities to go on unphased.
Let’s break down some of the most common summer plumbing problems and how you can prevent your pipes from bursting in intense heat.
Common Summer Plumbing Problems
When the hottest months of summer arrive, they can bring a host of plumbing problems with them. It is essential to prepare in advance in order to combat these issues and keep your plumbing system running smoothing. Here are a few summer plumbing problems to look out for:
Increased Water Usage
Whether you’re irrigating your garden, filling up paddling pools, or washing your car, water consumption increases considerably in the summer. This increased demand, combined with high temperatures, puts pressure on the pipe network, potentially causing dips in water pressure and small leaks, which can eventually lead to a complete rupture.
Clogged Pipes
There’s nothing better than washing away a long day of outdoor summer activities in the shower. However, this can lead to an accumulation of dirt, sand, and other natural debris. These particles can build up in your drains and pipes, resulting in decreased water flow and blockages. If these blockages stay in the pipes for too long, this can cause pressure to build and eventually lead to a water pipe burst.
This is why it is important that you always have an emergency plumber on hand should anything go wrong. Waterguys, a professional company which offers gas, heating and water services across Central London, highlight that experienced plumbers can unclog drains “within the hour”. With this being said, it is always necessary to ensure they are fully qualified and accredited to prevent further problems.
Hose Bib Leaks
A hose bib is an outdoor spigot that connects directly to your home’s plumbing system. One of the most common problems with hose bibs is leaking, and fixing these leaks can be expensive if not addressed promptly.
Toilet Malfunctions
During the summer, there is typically an influx in household gatherings and functions. As a result, toilets are frequented more and it becomes increasingly likely that toilet clogs will occur. A toilet can clog if improper items are flushed down the drains such as baby wipes or even too much toilet paper.
Sprinkler Issues
In-ground sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable during the summer. Sprinklers are commonly hit by lawnmowers or stepped on accidentally, causing damage to sprinkler heads. Broken or leaking sprinkler heads can cause unnecessary water waste, leading to high water bills.
Summer Plumbing Checklist
Sometimes, all your plumbing system needs is a little TLC. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the most important plumbing tips for homeowners to perform each summer to prevent costly repairs, improve efficiency, and increase the lifespan of your plumbing system:
Inspect and Clean Pipes
Regularly inspect all visible pipes for any signs of leakage. If you do detect any leaks, try tightening the connections or replacing the faulty sections. It is also essential to check your sinks, taps, and showers for any slow drainage as this can usually indicate a clog. Use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear any blockages. For a more thorough cleaning, consider using a non-corrosive drain cleaner.
Maintain Drains
Use a safe, effective drain cleaning solution monthly to prevent build-up and clogs. An enzymatic drain cleaner is an excellent way to reduce any fats, bacteria, hair, and mould build-up and is a much more eco-friendly option than harsh chemicals like bleach.
Check Hose Bibs and Sprinkler Systems
Inspect hose bibs for leaks. Replace washers or tighten connections if there is any dripping or excess moisture. Loose connections can waste water and reduce the efficiency of your sprinkler system. Moreover, if you live in a region with cold winters, make sure your hose bibs and sprinkler systems are properly winterized to prevent you from dealing with any frozen or burst pipes.
Monitor Water Pressure
Checking your water pressure is an essential part of any summer plumbing checklist. Water pressure determines the movement of water through the pipes in your home and out of your taps or shower. Ideal water pressure is over 15 litres of water per minute. To check your water pressure, contact your water supplier or plumber, or you can test it yourself with a pressure gauge.