Top Summer Plumbing Problems

How to make sure you’re ready

Plumbing problems don’t take summer vacation! Take a look at our list of the Top Summer Plumbing Problems and how to fix them! Need help? Let us know!

Outdoor hose bibs:

Start outside and make sure the hose bib isn’t leaking. This especially important if it hasn’t been used during the winter.

Washing Machine Hose Leaks:

Summer months mean the kids are home. And with the kids home, they’ll be going through clothing at a breakneck speed and making your washing machine work overtime. To prevent a flood in your home, take the time to check any hoses running to the machine for leaks. If you do have to replace a washing machine hose, we strongly recommend spending the extra and getting a stainless steel hose as they will last a lot longer than a rubber hose.

One of our favorite parts of summer are the cookouts and family parties. Add in the kids eating at home more, and your garbage disposal is going to get a workout. Large amounts of leftovers can clog or damage it, so be careful what you put in your disposal. Avoid:

Hard fruits (apples, apricots, grapefruit)
Fibrous Vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts)
Grease
Starchy foods (potatoes, beans)

After you’ve used the disposal, run cold water for about 15 seconds to rinse away any food that may have gotten stuck.

Toilet Maintenance:

We hate to keep blaming plumbing problems on the kids, but… they’re home, so things get used more, and that includes the toilet. More use means a higher chance of problems. Now is a great time for a reminder to the kids on appropriate toilet paper use, and what can and can’t go down the drain. If you do have a clog, clear it with a flange plunger. If the problem persists, call us right away. Also, be mindful of baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. Even though some say flushable, they definitely are not.

April showers bring May flowers, and sometimes backed up sewer lines. Excessive rains can get into sewer pipes through cracks and cause backups. The same can be caused by tree roots growing after the spring rains. Here at Ermen, we can do video inspection of sewer pipes and can do preventative maintenance, and help when there is already a problem.