Summer is the ideal season for outdoor activities we don’t do as frequently at other times of the year. Barbecues, picnics, camping trips, and hiking in the great outdoors are some things we enjoy here in Gladwyne, PA.
Summer also brings a plethora of plumbing issues that people don’t experience during other times of the year. Also, just having more guests visiting during the summer and the kids being home from school can be overly demanding on your plumbing system.
There’s nothing that’ll interfere with your enjoyment of summer more than a backed-up shower or a broken garbage disposal. Let’s go over some common summer plumbing issues to be aware of so you can avoid any interruptions to your summer fun.
Camping Trips and Hiking
Summer is a great opportunity to get out and about in nature. Unfortunately, a lot of “nature” comes back to your home in the form of dirt and mud. You may be tempted to rinse the dirt from those muddy hiking boots in a bathtub or sink, but that’s definitely a bad idea.
Although sand, dirt, mud, and debris might seem like they’re small enough to go down the drain, clogs can develop when all that debris sticks to existing buildup that’s already in the pipes. Soap scum, hair, and dirt can attract the dirt you’ve brought in from the outside and cause clogs to develop. And these clogs can result in slow-draining or completely backed-up drains.
Instead of using your bathroom plumbing to clean up after a camping or hiking trip, use a garden hose to rinse dirty items off outside.
Barbecues and Holiday Parties
Summer is the ideal time of year for outdoor barbecues and having a lot of people over for parties. It’s also the season for eating specific foods that aren’t consumed as much during the rest of the year. Watermelon, corn on the cob, ribs, and chicken wings are delicious, but they can also cause blockages in your kitchen plumbing when not disposed of properly.
Watermelon rinds, corn cobs, and bones should never be put down the kitchen sink. Your garbage disposal isn’t strong enough to dispose of these items and could cause damage. Although you may know what should and shouldn’t go down the kitchen sink, your guests may not know. A gentle reminder before the festivities begin is a great preventative measure.
School’s Out for the Summer
When the kids are home for the summer, this naturally puts more demand on your plumbing system. Also, visits from out-of-town friends and family can also put an additional strain. All this extra usage can exacerbate existing problems that you didn’t know you had.
For example, that slow drain in the shower might become a complete backup with increased usage. A guest who misplaces a wipe down the toilet could potentially cause a toilet clog. Another gentle reminder about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet and bathroom sinks is a great preventative measure to take.
Fast-Friendly-Reliable: Contact Walsh Brothers Plumbing and Mechanical Services, Inc. to learn more about kitchen plumbing services in Gladwyne, PA.