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By now, you’ve had your HVAC serviced, inspected your roof for spring storm damages and washed your deck of the winter dirt and debris. Now that we’re moving into the warmer and longer months of summer, you may see an increase in the clothes that need to be washed, dishes that need to be cleaned and many more flushes of the toilet. Because of this, it’s easy to forget your indoor utilities and how important they are to a functioning home. Your plumbing system is the backbone of your home and one of the most important aspects to keeping everything up and running. Spend your summer months enjoying time with family and the outdoors, not worrying about leaks, clogs, and plumbing mishaps. The experts at Fosh Plumbing & Heating are sharing 5 summer plumbing tips to keep your home running efficiently.

Check for leaks throughout the interior and exterior of your home.
Summer is the ideal time to check for leaks around your home because a long, cold winter can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Take the time to inspect everything that uses water inside and outside of your house. This includes pipes, faucets, toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, your water heater, outdoor spigots and your sprinkler system. Look for signs of rust, corrosion and bent or broken pipes.

Get to know your main water valve.
One of the smartest plumbing tips we can offer to homeowners is knowing where your main water shutoff is located and how to use it. Your main water valve looks like a wheel with spokes or a lever and can usually be found in your basement, garage or outside in your yard. If you’re leaving your home for a summer vacation, you can turn off your water with the main valve to avoid high water bills, wasting water and preventing any mishaps or flooding while you’re gone.

Watch what you put down garbage disposal.
Summer is the best time for BBQ’s and cookouts and with that comes lots of yummy foods that might not be so great going into your garbage disposal. Avoid foods that are stringy, like celery and fruits with hard rinds, like melons. These types of foods can get caught around the blades and render your garbage disposal inefficient. Skin and fats from meat are also a no-no for your garbage disposal as they can build up in your pipes and form clogs.

Clear gutters of the April showers and May debris.
A smart plumbing tip to perform in the spring and summertime is making sure your home’s gutter system is functioning properly. During the summer, it’s a good idea to inspect your gutters and remove any dirt, leaves, branches, and debris. If your gutter is clogged, it won’t drain properly, and you risk water damaging the foundation of your home.

Washing machine and toilet check.
Chances are, you’re handing a lot more laundry during the summer and with everyone home, your toilet is seeing an average of 5 flushes per person a day! That’s a lot of stress on your machines. Between loads of laundry, make sure to give your washing machine a break to prevent extra stress. Visually inspect your washing machine for leaks, bulges and cracks and always remember to clean your lint trap. As for your toilet, remind kids to take it easy on the toilet paper and the amount they are flushing to avoid clogs.

Summertime is all about fun, not about summer plumbing issues! Ensure everything in your home is running efficiently and avoid costly repairs with Fosh Plumbing and Heating services. To schedule an inspection or an affordable plumbing maintenance service this summer, call us at (610) 496 5700 or contact us here. We’re available 24/7 for all of life’s plumbing emergencies.