Dealing with end of summer plumbing issues
Summer is officially coming to an end, and the ramp-up of cooler temperatures and changing leaves signals the beginning of fall. And with that seasonal transition fully underway, now is the perfect chance to wrap up those last lingering summer plumbing issues. Summertime activities and different summertime day-to-day dynamics put different stressors onto your home’s plumbing and wrapping up those issues before the seasons officially shift means avoiding going into Autumn with unnecessary headaches on the horizon. Here are the issues to wrap-up as fall and winter approach.
Garbage Disposal Issues
Summer is associated with a whole variety of foods specific to the warm-weather months. Unfortunately, many of the byproducts from these foods are no better running through the garbage disposal versus other problematic foods. Things like melon rinds, bones from barbecue cook-outs, or corn cobs will catch and clog up a garbage disposal, leading to draining issues and disposal repairs. It’s always better to throw away, or compost, these food items, and if your garbage disposal is particularly odorous, or backed-up, reach out to a plumber for help.
Washing Machine Issues
There are generally more people around the home over the summer months, meaning the washing machine is seeing more frequent usage. Summer also brings with it a larger variety of washing, from typical loads of clothes to beach day supplies, to trying to get through a backlog of items while preparing for summertime garage sales. This all adds up to the washing machine running through several extra cycles over the summer. While these cycles run, it’s generally best to do the washing at times when you’re home, to keep an eye out and make sure nothing happens. More frequent, and heavy-duty, washing can lead to more wear and tear on your washing machines hoses, valves, and drum, so assuming nothing has happened, it could be a good idea to have a plumber perform a routine maintenance check on your washer and dryer at the end of the summer season to ensure there are no surprise repairs lurking in the near future.
Toilet & Water Heater Issues
Along with the washing machine seeing more uses, so do the toilets and showers. As toilets and showers see more frequent uses, they are both more likely to develop small leaks or issues from regular wear and tear. Between the washing machine and shower usage, your water heater will certainly see more frequent usage, and if it’s getting further up in years, it’s a very good idea to have routine maintenance completed on it sooner rather than later, as the surprise of no available hot water is not particularly pleasant in summer, fall, or winter!
Sewer Line Issues
Continuing on the routine maintenance theme, the end of summer is great time to have the main sewer line checked for things like invasive tree roots or potential blockages. While they may not be creating an immediate issue for your plumbing, a blocked or burst sewer line requiring an emergency repair in the colder seasons is much more difficult to deal with versus smaller blockages caught during an annual maintenance check, when repairs can be scheduled and handled at the homeowner’s discretion. Dealing with these issues early-one just keeps you one step ahead of the curve while going into fall.
Overall, the end of summer is time to start thinking about preparation, namely to avoid any nasty plumbing issue surprises that could pop up at the most inopportune times, such as in the dead of winter. Much like a squirrel gathering and storing food, setting aside the time to bring in a professional to perform routine, annual maintenance at the end of summer is the best bet to keep you and your home’s plumbing prepared for the rest of the year. If you’re looking for a reliable provider for your annual plumbing maintenance, consider the licensed professionals of Duane Blanton Plumbing. In operation for over 30 years, the plumbing experts at Duane Blanton are well-versed in all variety of plumbing issues. Give them a call today at (815) 781-2567, or schedule your maintenance online through their online scheduling portal, from the convenience of your living room or den. Take advantage of the last days of summer, and don’t let the fall catch you off guard!
