5 Common Summertime Plumbing Issues

During summer, kids are home and families host regular gatherings, which results in one overarching trend: Your plumbing, appliances and garbage disposal are used more often. In turn, you might be dealing with frequent clogs and sewer line backups.

Here are some of plumbing problems that are more likely to occur in the summer.

Garbage Disposal Clogs

When disposing of hard fruits and vegetables like watermelon, corn or anything with a pit, clogs can happen. These types of food may get stuck in the garbage disposal or damage the blades.

As a general tip, first run water into the disposal before you start clearing away food scraps, and only use it for softer items. Rinds, cobs and the like are better suited for a compost pile.

Sewer Line & Septic System Backups

Both issues are often caused by rain, with a deluge causing a sewer line backup and overflow. There could also be tree roots growing in the pipes, causing water to slowly flow through.

When heavy rain comes into the picture, sewage can flow out through the toilet, bathtub and sinks in your home, which also becomes a sanitation issue.

While septic tanks are a different type of system, they can experience a similar issue when precipitation falls. Septic systems are designed to absorb household wastewater, but excessive rain and groundwater alter this process.

Having guests over the house furthers the load your septic system has to handle, which could lead to an overflow. Especially if you have an older system, prioritize inspections at the beginning of the summer season.

Toilet Clogs

More people at home during the day and on weekends can result in the toilet being used more often. When you have children, the risk of clogs from flushing too much toilet paper also increases.

A plunger may address the issue but, especially if roots have made their way into your plumbing or grease has built up in the pipes, the clog may require professional assistance. To help avoid this problem, establish a household rule on how much toilet paper can be used.

Sprinkler System Damage

This time of year, sprinkler systems are at risk for two issues. One, if you don’t regularly clean the heads, grass, dirt and other debris can clog them and reduce effectiveness. Two, you risk damage whenever you mow the lawn, so make sure the heads are lowered and be careful when cutting the grass.

Water Heater Issues

Although the winter season brings its own share of water heater issues, the demands of summer can also place strain on the system. When this occurs, more sediment and rust may build up in your water heater, migrating to your plumbing.

From here, the water heater itself may not perform as expected, you could be dealing with decreased flow or water from your appliances and faucets could have a strange odor.

Schedule water heater maintenance in early spring to remove any buildup and address its performance.
 
Whether you’re dealing with a sewer backup or water heater issue, the team at MJ Fahy & Sons can inspect your home’s plumbing this summer. To make an appointment, contact us today.