Everyone looks forward to the summertime. The kids are out of school, you’ve got some vacation time coming up, the weather’s nice, and the winter – well – that’s only a memory. However, the summertime isn’t all barbecues and fun. It’s also a season where some pretty pesky plumbing problems can come up – but fear not. Being prepared can help save you a lot of headaches, and this is a list of easy ways you can skip any problems that will have you spending your day calling the plumber.
Prevent Sewer Backups in the Basement
With the summer comes more rainy days, with heavier showers not being uncommon in June-July-August. Sometimes, if the rain is bad enough, it can cause sewer backups, exposing your home to sewage water. Luckily, there are simple remedies to keep this from happening. BrokerLink Insurance recommends a backwater valve. Heavy rain could force water from overloaded municipal drainage systems up through your drains. A backwater valve forces a closure in your drain, preventing any sewage water from seeping in. They also recommend a sump pump, which removes water that accumulates in the home, although they caution to choose one with a battery back-up, as one wired to your electrical system won’t be much use if your home loses power. Inexpensive water sensors, which will notify you of any accumulation of water, are also a good idea and should be placed anywhere in your home where water tends to accumulate.
Check Your Sprinklers and Hoses
While the idea of a sprinkler that doesn’t work quite right doesn’t sound like a major problem, it can actually be costly. Anchorpumps.com warns that a leaky sprinkler, which might have been damaged due to something as simple as accidentally nicking it with the lawnmower, wastes a lot of water. Always check the sprinkler heads and hoses for leaks. If detected early, you can fix this problem with a quick trip to the hardware store.
Talk to the Kids
While you’re probably happy to be spending extra time with your kids, you likely won’t be able to keep an eye on them at all times, and their mischief can spell serious plumbing problems. One common issue is they tend to throw way too much down the garbage disposal, which causes major clogs and water backup. Another issue is the amount of toilet paper they throw down the toilet, as these can easily block toilets, which are a nightmare for all involved. Make sure to educate them on what shouldn’t go down the disposal, or in the toilet, show them how to use a plunger, and save yourself some major headaches later.
If you’re in need of immediate plumbing services and live in the Omaha area, consider ASAP Appliance & Plumbing Services. For more information, our website or phone us at 402-706-9931. After hours appointments are available.