When the temperatures rise in South Jersey, our homes start working a lot harder. Between filling up the kids’ pool, watering the garden, and taking extra showers after a day at the beach, your plumbing system faces its highest demand of the year during the summer months. Most of us don’t think about our pipes until there is a puddle on the floor, but a little preparation can prevent a mid-summer plumbing emergency.
Inspecting Your Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Your outdoor plumbing takes a beating during the winter, and small cracks can form as pipes freeze and thaw. Now that you are ready to use your spigots (also called hose bibs) for gardening or washing the car, it is important to check for leaks. Even a tiny drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over a single summer, driving up your water bill unnecessarily.
To check your outdoor system, follow these simple steps:
- Turn the water on and place your thumb over the spout; if you can easily stop the flow, there may be a leak inside the pipe.
- Inspect the hose itself for dry rot or cracks that occurred during winter storage.
- Look for damp spots on the exterior wall or in the crawlspace near where the outdoor pipe enters the home.
If you notice that your water pressure seems lower than usual when using the hose, it might be a sign of a hidden leak. Taking care of these small repairs early ensures you have the pressure you need for all your outdoor summer fun.
Giving Your Water Heater a Seasonal Check-up
We often think of the water heater as a winter appliance, but it works just as hard in the summer. With more laundry from beach towels and more frequent showers, you want to make sure your heater is running efficiently. Over time, sediment such as sand and minerals can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, making it work harder and use more energy to heat the same amount of water.
Consider these maintenance tips for your water heater:
- Check the temperature setting; 120 degrees is usually the “sweet spot” for safety and energy savings.
- Look around the base of the tank for any signs of rust or moisture.
- Listen for “knocking” sounds, which usually mean there is a heavy buildup of sediment inside.
Flushing the tank once a year can extend the life of your unit and keep your energy costs down. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, summer is a great time to have a professional look at it before the heavy demand of the holiday season arrives.
Managing Your Sump Pump and Clogged Drains
Summer in our area often brings sudden, heavy thunderstorms. If your home has a basement or a crawlspace, your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding. If it has been sitting idle all spring, you want to make sure it is ready to jump into action when the clouds roll in. Similarly, summer often means more “stuff” going down our drains, from sand after a shore trip to food scraps during a backyard barbecue.
To keep your drainage system clear, keep these points in mind:
- Pour a bucket of water into your sump pump pit to make sure the float rises and the pump turns on.
- Avoid putting fibrous vegetables (like corn husks or celery) down the garbage disposal during cookouts.
- Use a mesh strainer in the shower to catch sand and hair before it creates a deep clog in your pipes.
If your drains are taking a little too long to clear, it is better to address it now. A slow drain in June can easily become a total backup by the Fourth of July when you have a house full of guests.
Checking for “Silent” Leaks Inside the Home
Some of the biggest water wasters are the leaks you can’t hear. Toilets are the most common culprits for silent leaks, often caused by a worn-out flapper valve. These leaks can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day, which is a huge drain on your wallet. Checking for these now helps ensure your home stays efficient during the high-use summer months.
You can perform a simple “dye test” to check your toilets:
- Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank (the back part) of the toilet.
- Wait about 15 to 20 minutes without flushing.
- If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that needs a simple repair.
Don’t forget to check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any signs of dampness or “musty” smells. Catching these small drips early protects your cabinets from water damage and mold growth.
Preparing for a Stress-Free Summer
Preparing your plumbing for the summer is all about being proactive. By checking your outdoor faucets, testing your sump pump, and keeping an eye on your water heater, you can avoid the stress of unexpected repairs. Most of these checks only take a few minutes but provide massive peace of mind when the summer heat is at its peak.
At Ben's ProServ, we are your “Comfortable Living Specialists,” and that includes making sure your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems are all running at their best. We provide solution-based plumbing services focused on long-term fixes rather than quick fixes. We’ve been serving South Jersey for over 40 years, and we take pride in doing the job right the first time.
Don’t let a plumbing surprise ruin your summer plans. Schedule a professional check-up today to ensure your home is ready for the heat! Give us a call at (856) 347-3588.