Summer Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
June 28, 2012
There are many things to love about summer. However, increased water bills and hot weather's effects on your plumbing are not typically high on that list. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners use water two to four times more than the rest of the year, likely due to garden and lawn watering. The good news? There are many summer water conservation tips and plumbing maintenance tips to maintain your plumbing and keep money in your wallet.
Smart Plumbing Practices
Have you been watering that vegetable garden? Doing more laundry than usual with the kids home for the summer? These plumbing tips for homeowners may help keep those bills in check.
- Install low-flow shower heads or water-saving fixtures
- Reuse pool towels (to cut down on laundry loads)
- Take shorter showers
- Only run dishwashers/washing machines at nighttime when full
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
What about outdoor watering? Are there simple ways to conserve water?
Yes! If you need to water lawns, shrubs, or new plants, follow these water-saving guidelines:
- Avoid watering during peak sun hours
- Water plants or lawns before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Use mulch around trees and plants (to retain moisture)
- Collect rainwater in barrels and reuse it for flowers or planters
- Use sprinkler timers
Will the Hot Weather Affect My Plumbing?
It might. Extreme heat can lead to the following:
Leaks
Extreme temperatures can cause metal pipes to expand, resulting in cracks or leaks.
Low Water Pressure
While not directly tied to warm weather, low water pressure is often the result of excessive water use during the summer and plumbing leaks.
Tree Roots
As plants grow, they require sunlight, nutrients, and water. With reduced moisture in the ground during hot weather, tree roots spread deeper to find a water source. And guess what? Your plumbing pipes are often the nearest source. If roots reach your plumbing, they can infiltrate the pipes, causing blockages, slow drains, and more.
How to Care for Plumbing and Avoid Mishaps
There are many ways to care for your plumbing in the summer months to ensure that pipes are healthy and things flow smoothly. Try these easy-to-follow tips:
- Regularly inspect for leaks: Check faucets, hoses, pipes, toilets, and outdoor fixtures
- Use the water meter trick to detect hidden leaks (This entails turning off all water in the house and locating your water meter. Look for a red or blue triangle or gear-shaped dial leak indicator.) If the indicator is spinning, there's likely a leak. Call us!
- Insulate exterior pipes
- Preventive plumbing maintenance is the best way to avoid problems. Schedule plumbing inspections each summer to look for early signs of damage.
Don't Forget to Prep Your Plumbing for the Fall, Too
As summer fades into fall, don't forget there are more ways to safeguard your home and plumbing. As New Jersey's top plumbing pro, we know the best plumbing tips for homeowners. Once the seasons change, remember to:
- Clean gutters and outdoor drains
- Shut off outdoor water supplies
- Check pipe insulation before the temperatures drop
- Schedule professional plumbing service