Summer Plumbing Tips for a Happy Fourth of July

Blog Layout

It’s that time of year again! Time for Fourth of July celebrations, cook outs, swim parties and family vacations. A little preparedness goes a long way to avoid a plumbing problem. Duncan Plumbing Solutions wants you to enjoy a worry-free summer with a few plumbing precautions.

If you’re hosting a party at your home, make sure your plumbing is ready. Nothing will spoil the fun like a nasty backed up sewer or a clogged drain. If you’re going away on vacation for the summer, ensure peace of mind with a few easy plumbing checks. A quick check under the sink and a peep at the water heater is well worth it. Nothing ruins vacation like coming home to a burst pipe or leaking water heater. Other quick tips like turn off the water main, listen for running water and look for wet spots in your yard before you leave for vacation will prevent a plumbing problem.

Five Common Plumbing Problems and Remedies

Plumbing Problem #1: My Garbage Disposal is stinky or backed up

Make sure you don’t allow fibrous foods such as lemons and seeds or other waste go down the disposal. Things like egg shells, coffee grounds, potato peels and banana peels should never go into the disposal. When you allow these items to go into your garbage disposal you will not only have a stinky sink but you could break your garbage disposal! Things like the impeller can break or you can damage the motor of your garbage disposal when you throw fibrous items into your disposal. You can also cause a sewer line back up. Check out this article about plumbing problems caused by your garbage disposal:

/garbage-disposal-troubleshooting/ or this one about a stinky disposal or a backed up disposal: /how-to-fix-a-stinky-and-backed-up-garbage-disposal-anatomy-of-a-garbage-disposal/

Click here for recommended garbage disposals

Plumbing Problem#2: My toilet is clogged or bubbling

Hosting a party means your toilet is doing double duty and perhaps a toy or other non-flushable item has been flushed down the drain. When a product like feminine hygiene products, wipes, towels and toys go down the drain, there is a potential for a clogged or bubbling toilet (which indicates your plumbing is about to back up) Check out this article about common plumbing problems with the toilet: /down-the-drain/

Plumbing Problem #3: My water bill is too high

The #1 plumbing problem occurring in the bathroom is the toilet. One way to cut your water bill by as much as half is to fix a running toilet. You may have a bad seal causing water to run constantly the toilet tank into the bowl. Because this valve is quite easy to replace and you will be surprised how much water you can save. Sometimes the flapper valve is the culprit and doesn’t seal the tank properly. However, this is an easy fix. Turn off the shut-off valve below the tank and flush the toilet to “empty” it. Remove the flapper and replace it with a new one. If the flapper valve seat is cracked, you’ll have to replace the whole unit, which Duncan Plumbing Solutions can help you install. Check out these articles for how to fix a running toilet: /how-to-fix-a-running-toilet/.

Another way to help lower your energy bill by as much as 10% each year is to turn down the temperature of your water heater. You may also want to consider a tankless water heater. These save energy because they are not continuously heating water stored in a tank. There are many other benefits to a tankless discussed here: /tankless-water-heaters-in-waxahachie-tx/

Plumbing Problem #4: Backed up washing machine

More outdoor fun means more dirty clothes to wash. Be sure to check your washing machine for things like a bulging hose, leaks and cracks. Also, move your machine at least four inches from the wall to prevent hose kinking and damage, and never leave your home while the washer is running. Remember–washing machine hoses should be replaced approximately every three years. If you are prone to sewer back-ups, you may experience a back-up from the washing machine. If you find your washing machine is backed up, check out these articles for solutions to slow drains: https://duncanplumbingsolutions.com/category/slow-drains/

Plumbing Problem: Leaking pipes

Summer temperatures rise and dry out the soil quickly, causing the ground to shift. Nothing will ruin your trip more than coming home to water all over your floor from a burst pipe. Plumbing problems like leaking pipes and slab leaks are especially problematic now with all the rain. Shifting soils case stress on your home’s plumbing and this can mean a leak in your wall or under your home’s foundation. A slab leak just means a leak in the plumbing pipes that are in the concrete slab foundation of your home. Make sure you listen for running water, check your water meter and do a quick check of your home before you leave for an extended vacation. Click here to read more about slab leaks and leaks in your foundation: https://duncanplumbingsolutions.com/category/slab-leak-2/

Duncan Plumbing Solutions can diagnose & determine the best treatment option for any plumbing problem. Duncan Plumbing will inspect all your plumbing to make sure your plumbing is in good working order so you can have a safe and happy Fourth of July! Most summer plumbing problems are quick and easy to resolve. When in doubt, call the experts Duncan Plumbing Solutions so you can enjoy a safe and worry-free summer season. Enjoy the summer!

The post Summer Plumbing Tips for a Happy Fourth of July appeared first on Duncan Plumbing Solutions.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Summer Hydration

01 Apr, 2024

Summer is fast approatching and staying hydrated during the warm summer months is crucial for overall health. Let’s explore some informative facts and tips to help you stay hydrated.

Toilet Shopping? Dive into the Throne Zone: Your Guide to Toilet Styles

25 Mar, 2024

Ah, the humble toilet. It's the unsung hero of the bathroom, quietly doing its duty while we go about our daily lives. But hey, don't let its modesty fool you! The toilet has the power to transform your bathroom from bland to grand. So, if you're in the market for a new loo, buckle up because we're about to take a whirlwind tour of the three toilet styles you need to know about: wall-hung, close-coupled, and back-to-wall.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

18 Mar, 2024

If you use flushable wipes, you may wonder if they are really safe to flush down the toilet. After all, they are marketed as flushable and septic safe, and they seem to disappear after you flush them. However, you may be surprised to learn that flushable wipes are not as harmless as they appear. In fact, they can cause serious problems for your plumbing system and the environment.

Common Household Items That Should Never Go Down The Drain

11 Mar, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to the things you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet? You might think they just disappear, but in fact, they can cause serious problems for your pipes, your sewer system, and the environment. Some items can clog your pipes, damage your plumbing, or create backups in your home or neighborhood. Others can pollute the waterways, harm wildlife, or contaminate drinking water sources. Here are six common household items that you should never put down the drain and how to dispose of them safely instead.

Spring Break Water Safety Tips

04 Mar, 2024

As spring break approaches, prioritizing water safety is crucial, whether you’re planning a beach getaway or a poolside vacation. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for you and your family.

Why Your Plumber Won't Quote a Price Over the Phone: An Inside Look

09 Feb, 2024

As a homeowner faced with the ever-constant need for plumbing services, you've likely come across the somewhat frustrating response from plumbers when you request a cost estimate over the phone: "It depends." While it may seem like an evasion tactic, there's a world of complex reasons behind why plumbers always defer from giving you a rock-solid price without physically seeing the issue at hand. In this article, we unravel the intricacies of plumbing pricing and shed light on why this seemingly vague response is more about integrity and professionalism than mere inconvenience to you, the customer.

Shower or Bath: Which Truly Drenches Our Water Supply?

02 Feb, 2024

Water is a precious resource that sustains life, and as conscientious homeowners, we're increasingly aware of the need to conserve it. Each time we embark on the daily ritual of cleansing, we have an opportunity to make a choice that can significantly impact water consumption: shower or bath? In this blog post, we'll dive into the considerable depths of water usage between these two common household activities to determine which is the more watertight option for you and the environment.

Tackling Post-Shower Itch: Unveiling the Benefits of Water Softeners

26 Jan, 2024

Hard water can turn a refreshing shower into a skin-itching nightmare. But fear not. The antidote to this less-than-ideal situation can be found in water softeners, a remarkable solution that can turn your hard-water woes around. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of hard water - what it is, why it can be problematic, and how water softeners can be your saving grace, transforming your water and your overall shower experience.

Winterizing Your Plumbing: Protecting Your Pipes from Frosty Woes

12 Jan, 2024

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's essential to take proactive measures to winterize your plumbing. The frigid weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, both inside and outside your home. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. In this blog, we'll explore how to protect your plumbing by winterizing outside faucets and preventing pipes from freezing inside your house.

Oops, It's Gone! Steps to Take After Accidentally Flushing Something Down the Toilet

29 Dec, 2023

At some point, we've all experienced something going down the toilet. It could be our own mishap or the result of curious toddlers exploring the marvels of the toilet. But there's no need to panic just yet! We've got some solutions for you to try before resorting to a call for a plumber.