For those of us in the Portland and Vancouver area, summer is our favorite time of year. We finally get out of the dark and get to enjoy warm days with friends and families and fire up the grill. Since we spend most of the year buried under cold, rainy weather, many of us neglect the preparations needed to get our homes ready for the summer.
From getting A.C. units ready to handle the heat to checking our roofs and gutters, there’s a seemingly endless list of things to tackle while the weather is nice. But did you know that you also need to prepare your plumbing for the summer? For routine maintenance, summer preparations, or emergency services, Pacific Plumbing and Drain has trained and dedicated plumbers on staff to meet your needs!
SUMMER PLUMBING PREPARATIONS
One of the things we tend to neglect the most these days seems to be our plumbing. This can lead to serious problems on your property very quickly. We use far more water in the summer compared to the winter. It’s best to catch a problem before it has a chance to happen. Here are six great tips to prepare your plumbing for the summer:
CHECK YOUR WATER PRESSURE:
Water usage is bound to increase this summer, often with multiple appliances running at once. One of the first serious signs that something is wrong is a sudden drop in water pressure. It can indicate many serious issues, from a clog or a leak in the plumbing system to something more severe. If you’re noticing a severe drop in your water pressure it’s best to get an expert in to help.
TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR WATER HEATER:
You may not be using your water heater as much during the summer, but that’s all the more reason to inspect it. Water heaters have an average lifespan of about a decade, and when utilized less it gives debris a chance to build up in the tank. Check for rust, leaks, or damage to the tank. Water heaters can be an often forgotten aspect of summer plumbing. But never forget, it hurts a lot less to replace or fix a water heater when you’re not dying for that hot bath.
CHECK YOUR TOILET FOR LEAKS:
While the winter holidays are over, that doesn’t mean any less company will be stopping by your home. In between BBQs, block parties, and plenty of other events, it’s best to ensure that your plumbing flows smoothly. No one wants to ask that panicked phrase “I’m so sorry, where’s the plunger?” Testing for a “silent leak” is a simple process: Put about 15 drops of food coloring into the tank of your toilet, wait 10 minutes, and then inspect the water in the bowl. If the water in the tank is showing color it’s time to contact a plumber for help.
CHECK YOUR WASHING MACHINE:
Many of us are more active in the summer and with the heat that brings more sweat and more changes in clothes. With our washing machines seeing some real heavy use over the summer, it’s best to inspect the intake and outflow hoses for leaks or cracks ahead of time. Inspect the parts of the machine the hoses go into for corrosion, cracks, or leaks and replace parts as needed to avoid an emergency trip to the laundromat.
INSPECT YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM:
Outdoor irrigation is one of the largest causes of increased water usage in the summer. As many sprinkler systems are left out in the elements the whole year, it’s highly recommended to inspect them at the top of the summer. Clean out all the sprinkler heads and check for pooling water early on to keep everything green this summer.
CHECK DRAINS AND GUTTERS:
With the rainy months behind us for the time being it’s the perfect time to clean your drains and gutters. Be it at home or at work, our gutters and drains have spent the last 8 months catching more than just rain, but leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris. With everything dried out, this will be one of the easier summer plumbing tasks to handle. Otherwise, clogged gutters and drains can do damage to your roof and foundation over time.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMER PLUMBING SERVICES
At Pacific Plumbing & Drain, we are committed to bringing the Vancouver WA and Portland OR areas with worry-free plumbing all year long. If you’ve prepared your plumbing but still encounter problems, we’re always a phone call or click away. Our experts are available for routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
