The nice weather is coming to Cape May, which means lots of fun and relaxation for everyone. However, summer can also be hard on your pipes in some special ways. Some sewage problems can be caused by using more water, being outside, or even just the heat. This guide will look at some common plumbing issues that happen in the summer and give you do-it-yourself answers to keep your plumbing in great shape all season.
Issue: People who spend time outside in the summer may bring sand, dirt, and other things back inside with them. These are easy for these to get into your shower drains and clog them up.
DIY Solution: To keep your drains from getting clogged, wash your hands well with an outdoor hose or a public shower before coming inside. Also, clean the cover over your shower drain often to get rid of hair and other dirt. If a clog won't go away, mixing baking soda and vinegar together and then running hot water over it can help.
Issue: Since the kids are home from school and changing clothes more often, your washing machine may be working extra hard, which could cause damage.
DIY Solution: To keep your washing machine from getting too tired, try to stick to smaller loads. Check the lines for leaks every so often, and if the machine is getting too hot, move it away from the wall a little. Maintenance checks can help keep your car from breaking down when you least expect it.
Issue: More people use the toilets in the summer, especially when kids are home, which can cause more clogs.
DIY Solution: Teach your kids the right way to flush the toilet—only toilet paper should go in there. Keep a plunger on hand in case you run into a small clog. A pipe snake might work for tougher clogs. If the problem doesn't go away, you might need to call a professional.
Issue: Sprinklers are prone to damage from outdoor activities like lawn mowing and children playing.
DIY Solution: Check each sprinkler head for damage and make sure it works well before you turn on your sprinklers for the season. Fix any problems with the heads and clean any that are stuck. Leaks can waste a lot of water, so it's important to check for them on a regular basis.
Issue: Outdoor faucets that haven't been used much during the winter can develop leaks when turned on for summer activities.
DIY Solution: Check your outdoor taps for leaks and make sure the seals are tight. Replace any O-rings or washers that are worn out. Over the summer, a tap that leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water, so it's important to fix it right away.
Issue: Heavy summer rain can cause sewer lines to back up, especially if they are already compromised by tree roots or cracks.
DIY Solution: Check and fix your sewer lines on a regular basis. If the drains are moving slowly or smell like sewage, there may be a clog. You can take care of these problems before they get worse by calling a rooter service or a professional plumber.
Issue: Summer barbecues and cookouts can lead to an increase in food waste, some of which can cause clogs in your garbage disposal.
DIY Solution: Garbage shouldn't have things like bones, corn husks, and fruit pits that are hard to grind. Before and after using the sink, run cold water through it to help get rid of any leftover food. To clear out the garbage disposal if it gets clogged, use an Allen wrench to turn the blades by hand.
Issue: Summer storms can lead to basement flooding, especially if your sump pump isn't functioning properly.
DIY Solution: Check your sump pump often to make sure it's still running properly. You might want to add a battery backup device so that it can keep working when the power goes out. Also, clearing out your gutters and downspouts can help keep water away from your base.
Issue: Calcium deposits can form in tap aerators, which lowers the pressure of the water.
DIY Solution: Take off and clean the aerators on your faucets to get rid of any buildup. Check for secret leaks or pipe corrosion if this doesn't fix the problem. This may need professional help.
Issue: Using more water in the summer can put stress on your water heater and cause it to break down.
DIY Solution: Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup and check the thermostat settings. If you notice any issues with water temperature, call a professional to inspect and repair the heater.
Majewski Plumbing is here to help if you're having plumbing problems that won't go away or if you need professional help. We are one of the best-reviewed and most-rated plumbers in Cape May County, and we do all kinds of plumbing repairs, installs, and drain cleaning. We are the best plumbing company for all of your needs because we offer same-day service, have been in business for over 30 years, and focus on saving you money on energy costs.
Make an appointment with Majewski Plumbing right now to make sure your plumbing is ready for a stress-free summer!
1275 Bayshore Rd
Villas, NJ
08251
(609) 374-6001
https://www.majewskiplumbing.com/