Summer means sunshine, outdoor adventures, vacation time, and surprise plumbing headaches if you’re not careful and prepared. As the summer temperatures start shooting up in Southern California, your plumbing system takes on new stress from increased water usage, backyard activities, and occasional summer storms. If you’re hosting guests, filling up your swimming pool, running sprinklers, or just using more water on a day-to-day basis, your plumbing system is working overtime, without you even realizing it.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The good news is that a timely call to your trusted plumbers can fend off issues and an unwanted call to specialists in 24-hour plumbing in Eastlake down the line.
How to maintain your plumbing system during the summer?
If you’re looking to enjoy a worry-free summer, now is the time to make sure your plumbing is ready to handle the heat. We’re thinking of usual suspects like backups, leaks, and clogs. Here’s what you need to check, clean, inspect, and fix before the season is in full swing:
1. Inspect outdoor faucets
It’s been a long time since last summer and the fall-winter-spring period. Your outdoor faucets can develop cracks or leaks in the meantime, especially in the case of drastic temperature changes and unstable weather conditions. Turn on the faucet to check for proper flow. If you notice water leaking from the faucet or wall, it’s a warning sign that you may have a broken pipe behind the scene.
2. Check the sprinkler system
Sprinklers are one of the summer MVPs, working extra hard to keep your garden looking lush and green. But this is only true if they’re working right. Inspect the sprinkler heads for damage and clogs. Run a full cycle to detect leaks and weak spots. A busted sprinkler will waste water and spike your utility bill.
3. Service the water heater
With fewer hot baths than the winter months, summer offers the perfect opportunity to drain your water heater and flush out the sediments. The gunk that is deposited at the bottom of your tank makes your system less efficient and can lead to corrosion and overheating. On top of this, it can also make the hot water coming out of your heater like a swamp.
4. Look for leaks in hidden places
Summer is the time to get nosy and get to know your plumbing setup. Check under sinks, around toilets, in the laundry room, and anywhere else where you have plumbing. All leaks, no matter how small they look at first, can turn into a big problem overnight, so it’s crucial that you deal with them sooner rather than later.
5. Get your sewer line on camera
Yes, literally! A camera inspection of your sewer line is money well spent. It will help you get a clear view of what’s going on underneath. Certain issues, like tree roots, will go unnoticed until it’s too late to alleviate the issue without a major hassle and a costly outlay.
6. Test your sump pump
If you have a basement or a crawl space, you probably have a sump pump. If not, you definitely should. That being said, it’s important to check it out to make sure everything is in order before the big summer storm hits your neighborhood. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and see if it kicks on. Without a working sump pump, you’ll lose your best weapon in case of flooding and torrential rains.
7. Prepare for the vacation
If you’re going away on a holiday or a weekend retreat this summer, it’s important that you shut off the main water supply before you go. Inspect the shut-off valve to ensure it’s working properly. The last thing you need is to realize you can’t turn off the water supply while the whole family is packed and waiting in the car to hit the road.
Who offers reliable 24-hour plumbing in Eastlake, CA & the vicinity?
If you’re on the lookout for dependable plumbers who are ready 24/7 to act without delay, San Diego Emergency Plumbing is the leading team of experienced professionals in Chula Vista and the surrounding areas. We combine proven solutions with the latest technology to deliver a prompt and in-depth service and minimize the damage to your property.
Whether you need pointers on how to act while waiting for plumbers, help with insurance coverage for plumbing issues, or someone to explain the importance of acting swiftly in plumbing emergencies, our support team is ready to assist you with all this and more. Don’t lose precious time, call us ASAP!
