The summer weather can cause many issues when it comes to your home’s plumbing system. More people being at home, monsoon rains and extreme heat are all factors that go into problems occurring with your home’s plumbing. Throughout my years in the Valley with SAK Electric Plumbing Inc I have seen these summer plumbing issues arise quite often. Here are five of the most common plumbing problems Arizona homeowners experience during the summer months.
Clogged garbage disposals
Summertime is full of backyard barbecues, birthdays, and pool parties. All these events involve lots of dishes wiped off down the garbage disposal. Dumping too much food down the drain can lead to clogs and the garbage disposal breaking down. Avoid putting certain food materials like animal bones, melon rinds, and oils that can damage the garbage disposal. Read the garbage disposal manual to learn what foods your disposal can handle. If your disposal does become clogged never place your hand down the drain. Look under your sink, turn off the power to the disposal and call a professional for inspection.
Sewage line backups
During the monsoon season Valley neighborhoods receive a lot of rainfall. Rain will soak the ground and seep into the sewage system through small cracks in drains and pipes. The water getting into the sewage system carries dirt and other debris increasing the risk of clogs in sewage lines. Extreme rainfall can even loosen tree roots causing them to expand and crack pipes. Pay extra attention to your drains during monsoon season. If you notice your drains slowing down or not draining at all then it is time to call a plumber.
Sprinkler problems
Homeowners with grass in their yards will be using their sprinkler systems constantly throughout the summer to keep the landscaping green and lush. Sprinkler heads are common areas where debris and dirt will buildup causing the sprinkler system to clog. Inspect your sprinkler heads at the beginning of summer and then once a month throughout, to keep them working properly. If you notice your sprinklers not pumping out enough water, use a brush to clean the heads and rinse with water. If the sprinklers are still not working properly contact your local plumber.
Washing machine clogs
If you have kids, then you know how many clothes they pile up each week. During the summer even more laundry will build up as the kids are at home all day and getting dirty playing outside. The more you use your washing machine the more stress you are putting on it. Problems may arise due to overuse. Clogs often occur due to extra use and the extra debris that is going into the drainage pipe of the washer. If you notice your machine not draining properly or not filling all the way, then it is time to speak with a plumber to unclog the pipes leading to and from your washer.
Clogged toilets
Another area that will see extra use during the summer with the kids at home is the toilet. The toilet will be getting a lot of extra use throughout the day, so it is more likely to get clogged. Avoid flushing baby wipes, large amounts of toilet paper, food and make sure the younger kids aren’t flushing toys down the toilet. Clogged toilets are one of the easier plumbing issues to fix. However, if the clog gets too bad a plunger will not work and you will need to call a professional to snake it out.
During the summer it is common to see plumbing issues arise. With more people being at home and the extreme weather, pipes can clog, sprinkler systems can fail and washing machines can backup due to overuse. Understanding the signs of these common plumbing issues will help you spot the problem before it becomes an expensive fix. Always consult with a professional plumber before taking on plumbing issues yourself.
Author: Joe Hammer is the Owner of SAK Electric Plumbing Inc an East Valley plumbing company serving the area for more than 30 years with plumbing repair and installation.
