It’s summertime, and the heat is on! This time of year, people across America use more water than they do the rest of the year, particularly in maintaining swimming pools, keeping lawns watered and staying hydrated. In fact, water usage in the summer can go up two to four times during the summer months.
And, with all of the extra strain on our plumbing systems, it’s no surprise that we encounter all types of summer plumbing issues between the ultra-hot months of June through August. Most of these problems can be prevented with proper maintenance. Accordingly, the Zurn team has compiled some of our best tips below, ensuring adequate plumbing in your home throughout the summer season.
Going away on vacation? Save money by turning your water heater temperature down. If you’re not there to use it, a few degrees difference won’t matter and can save you a substantial amount of money, particularly if you travel frequently. You can also save money by turning the temperature of your refrigerator higher.
Take care of your sprinklers. Often, sprinkler systems get damaged due to carelessness when mowing the lawn or from children playing in the yard. Be sure your sprinklers are working properly to avoid flooding, and if damage does occur, make any necessary repairs immediately.
Fix broken toilets. You know that toilet that makes a funny sound after you flush? Or, perhaps it requires an extra jiggle of handle in order to get an effective flush? That toilet could be wasting gallons of water each day, costing you to flush money down the tube every time you touch the handle. In the summer, toilets in homes with children are on double duty as kids are home from school during the day, so making sure your toilets are working properly is an important aspect of summer plumbing.
Don’t overuse your garbage disposal. In the summertime, sheer convenience can cause us to throw things down the garbage disposal that we wouldn’t normally discard that way. If you’re planning a big summer barbeque, remember that items such as cornhusks and watermelon rinds are better for the trash or compost pile. Also, never pour grease down the drain, as it hardens and can cause major clogs over time.
One of the best ways to make sure your plumbing is ready for the summer is to schedule time for an annual inspection. Zurn’s expert plumbing team is trained to identify problem areas and stop issues before they start. Contact us using the service form on our home page at www.zurnplumbing.com, and we look forward to working with you to take care of all your plumbing needs.
