Summer water usage: Is your Plumbing ready?

Ahhh, sweet summer time. The kids are home from school and involved in a variety of activities, and the laundry seems to be is never ending. Sound familiar?  The increase in temperatures during the spring and summer months can lead to a rise in water usage at home. This increase in your water bills can be from things like longer showers to cool down after a hot day, watering your flowers or vegetable garden, or sprinkler time for the kids. This spike in water usage can lead to some wear and tear in your plumbing system. Here are five tips to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly this summer:

Keep an eye on rubber hoses

As mentioned above, summer commonly comes with an increase in laundry volume. This greater use can lead to problems with the rubber hoses that serve as exit and entry points for the water, which can cause damage such as tears and bulges in the hose. A key point to remember is that the hoses on your washing machines are only meant to last about three years.

Look for Leaks

Check your faucets, pipes under the sink and hot water heater to make sure they are working properly. Look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks. Check the floater valve in your toilet to ensure its sealed correctly.

Be careful what you put down the drain

After a nice day at the grill, it can be tempting to just dump all the garbage and excess food down the drain. However, putting large pieces of food down your drains can lead to blockages and bad smells coming from your pipes. A garbage disposal can help mitigate the problem, just make sure everything is small enough to be able to make it the compacting unit. It may be best to dispose of bigger pieces of food in other ways.

Make sure your pipes are not cracked 

As the weather warms up, tree roots often begin to extend deep into the soil to find nutrients. However, tree roots can be a problem if they wrap around the pipes because this can lead to cracks. A broken pipe is vulnerable to rainwater, which can move through the layers of dirt to enter the opening and back up your home’s sewage lines.

Lower the temperature on your water heater

A final tip is turning down the temperature on your water heater can help reduce your energy bills with the uptick in spending on water. This easy solution can be an excellent way to lower your bills, especially if you are away on vacation.