Summer is a time for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather, so who wants to worry about costly repairs? However, issues in your plumbing system can arise and lead to potential costly repairs. That is why Fosh Plumbing would like to stress the importance of making sure your plumbing system is functioning properly this summer. Let’s take a look at a few helpful plumbing tips for homeowners this summer.
Garbage Disposal
We know that barbecues and cookouts are a couple of the most popular activities for families during the summer. However, what happens when you start to throw a surplus of food scraps into your garbage disposal? The buildup of certain foods in your garbage disposal can cause significant damage. Be sure to avoid throwing any stringy foods (such as corn and celery) into the disposal, as well as any greasy foods. It’s important to remember that it is a garbage disposal, not a garbage can.
Laundry
Another essential thing to monitor during the summer is your washing machine. More outdoor time leads to more laundry. Extra stress on your washing machine can lead to the units breaking, and this can lead to some serious issues within your home. To prevent this, make sure you are not overloading your washing machine. Additionally, at the start of the season, inspect your washing machine for leaks, cracks, bulges and mold or mildew. If any hoses are cracked or damaged, replace them immediately to avoid potential damage to your home.
Leaks
One of the most common signs of faulty plumbing are leaks. Winter takes a toll on pipes, and the summer is a perfect time to inspect them. It is especially important to check your toilet, bathtub and water heater. Being cautious about leaks not only conserves water, but also saves you money. According to the EPA, a leaky faucet can waste up to $35 in electricity or natural gas charges. Correcting a leak like this can save your family up to 10% annually on your water bill.
Test Your Sump Pump
One part of summer we could definitely live without are those storms. They have the potential to cause a lot of costly damage to your home. One of the most common issues they can cause is flooding, particularly in your basement. To combat extra water that could enter your basement, it is important to have a functioning sump pump. A sump pump will send excess water through a discharge pipe to the outside of your home, preventing flooding. Making sure your sump pump is functioning properly before summer will go a long way when it comes to avoiding costly repairs to a flooded basement.
Overall, the best way to save money and prevent any plumbing fixes this summer is to stay on top of your appliances and pipes. However, some plumbing issues are inevitable, and Fosh Plumbing & Heating is here to help! Give us a call today at (610) 496-5700 to make sure your plumbing system is in top shape this summer!
