The summer season holds a special place in most people’s hearts. It’s a sacred time to be outdoors, take vacations, go swimming, play sports, gather with family/friends, and do all the other fun things we like to do when the weather is nice.

These activities often mean an influx of traffic in the home coupled with extended vacation vacancies, which can put a strain the home’s plumbing system. We never really stop to question whether the home’s utilities are ready for the extra summer traffic though. Plumbing remains one of the most important utilities, because one unpleasant plumbing problem can cancel out the best summer day.

There are many proactive, preventative plumbing measures you can take to prepare for the warm weather so that you can spend your time enjoying it instead of worrying about potential plumbing issues. No matter the issue, it’s best to address it early before it becomes a big, expensive problem.

We’ve also pulled together this list of our top five summer plumbing tips to mitigate plumbing issues this summer and save on costs:

Check the Sump Pump

Summer often brings severe storms and, if you’re among the millions of homeowners who have a basement, you may have already experienced the aftermath of a storm.

A sump pump is only activated when it is needed and is meant to pump water out of and away from your home to avoid flooding. It is often not obvious that your sump pump isn’t working properly until it is too late. Preventative sump pump maintenance allows your Warrior plumber to identify any issues before they cause any costly damage to your home. Your sump pump should be inspected regularly to ensure it works properly when it’s needed most. If you don’t have one, and any part of your home is below ground level, consider installing one. Your Warrior plumber can install one in a short amount of time and the cost is usually around $625. It’s a good and necessary investment to protect your home from flood damage.

Inspect your Hoses and Valves for Leaks

Enjoying the adventure of the great outdoors during the summer months means that your water usage will likely be utilized the heaviest during the summer season. Loose hoses and connections can cause leaks and potential flooding. To prevent summertime leaks,

• Inspect every hose for a tight fit
• Turn all valves on and off to make sure they work
• Examine your washing machine hose, which is a common summer plumbing problem

Don’t let loose connections linger. Contact a Warrior plumber for further inspection at the first sign of wear and tear so that you can avoid costly leaks.

Check the Hot Water Heater

Do you have plans to go on vacation this summer? Remember that your water heater does not have to remain on while you are away from home. Turning off your water heater will save energy and, as a result, will lower your monthly bill. The average water heater should be able to last within your home between 8 and 12 years. It is important though that your water heater is maintained to ensure its durability. At least once a year, your water heater should have the sediment removed and the unit should be cleaned. If going on a vacation, it may be a good idea to schedule such maintenance with a trusted Warrior plumber while you are gone.

Prevent Drain Clogs

The summer months often consist of family get-togethers and delicious foods. As a result, your drains may clog from time to time during the season. To prevent drain clogs, keep an eye out for oily or fatty foods and be careful of any stringy foods falling into the sink. These tend to clog small water drain lines and are easily preventable.

Consider Efficient Appliances

Certain water, gas, and electric appliances have more efficiency compared to others. When replacing old appliances, it is important to ask your licensed Warrior plumber about the durability of the new product. While it may cost more up front to purchase an efficient and reliable product, it could save you more in the long run when it comes to bill payments and probable replacements of less efficient appliance models.

Need help from a licensed Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating

You can prepare for the summer season and avoid costly plumbing issues by following these top five plumbing tips. For help in checking that your home is in proper working order for the summer, contact your licensed Warrior plumber online here or call us at 443-967-3736 today.