Changing seasons also means a change in the way you use your plumbing. Summer, in particular, brings a different set of plumbing problems. You need to prepare for these and find out how you can quickly solve them. A good idea would be to stock up on a few plumbing supplies. For instance, an adjustable hose clamp can help you stop leaks while a plumber comes to deal with the problem. Here are the typical summer plumbing problems that you need to be aware of and their potential solutions.
Clogged Disposal
Summertime brings about a wave of outdoor activities like cookouts, grills, and block parties. With more guests in your home, there will be a lot of stuff going down the disposal, leading to some problems. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you and your guests don’t dump many corn cobs, melon rinds, or fruit stones down the disposal. However, no matter how hard you try, you might still find yourself with a clogged disposal.
To unclog the disposal, you need to remove the p trap and clean it. Please note that it will likely be full of water; therefore, you need to have a bucket to catch it. Clean the p trap and also check the p trap arm for clogs. If the trap and the arm are clean, you may need to snake the drain to remove the blockage.
Slow Draining Showers
With many outdoor activities taking place, it’s expected that people will be dirtier than usual. Kids will bring in a lot of sand, dirt, and debris into the shower, all of which can cause slow draining showers. If you experience this problem, avoid reaching for chemical clog removers. This will not provide a permanent solution to your problem. Instead, grab a snake and use it to unclog your drain. If you still can’t fix it that way, it might be a good idea to call your plumber.
Outdoor Faucet Leaks
People get to use outdoor faucets a lot during the summer months. As such, it is not uncommon to end up with leaks. A single outdoor faucet leak can waste more than 90 gallons of water daily. This will lead to an increase in your utility bill. Unfortunately, such leaks can be a little tricky to deal with.
Depending on where the leak is, you can use an adjustable hose clamp to stop it until a plumber arrives. An adjustable hose clamp is usually used to secure hoses in automotive systems. They can also be used to clamp lines in household plumbing systems.
If you try to DIY any of your plumbing problems and fail, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber immediately.
