The Weather Is Warming Up: 3 Steps You Should Take To Prevent Plumbing Problems

Now that the weather is warming up, it's just about time to think about your plumbing. You might not think that your plumbing has anything to do with warm weather. However, the summer months can really wreak havoc on your plumbing. Here are three things you should do to protect your plumbing this summer.

Be Kind to Your Garbage Disposal

Summer is synonymous with barbecues and get-togethers. While those activities are fun, they can spell disaster for your garbage disposal. To prevent problems, you should be kind to your garbage disposal.

Flush with Cold Water

Your garbage disposal can get clogged with gunk quite easily. The best way to prevent the gunked-up clogs is to flush it with cold water – before and after each use. Turn the cold water on and allow it to flow through the garbage disposal for several seconds before and after you use it. The water will flush the extra debris through to the drain.

Watch What You Send Through

When it comes to summer cooking, some of those foods shouldn't be sent down the garbage disposal. Prevent clogs by tossing potato peels, egg shells and corn husks into the trash can instead of sending them through the garbage disposal.

Go Easy on the Toilets

Whether your kids are home for the summer, or you're having house guests stay over, your toilets are going to be working overtime. To protect your toilets from clogs, be sure to go easy on the toilet paper usage, and avoid flushing non-toilet paper items down the toilet. Keeping a small trash can by the toilet will allow things like cotton applicators and baby wipes to get tossed out instead of flushed. It's also important for you to keep a plunger near the toilets at all times. That way, minor clogs can be taken care of before the toilet overflows.

Clean Your Drains

During the summer, when water is less plentiful, trees will start heading for your drains. They'll do that because they need quick access to another source of water. To prevent drain damage caused by root growth, you should have your drains cleaned before summer arrives. Cleaning your drains will also prevent things like stubborn clogs and drain odors.

Don't let plumbing problems dampen your summertime fun. The tips provided here will help you identify steps that will help protect your pipes this summer. For other tips on how to prevent plumbing problems, contact a plumber near you.