With the kids back at school and the holidays done and dusted, summertime is almost over on the Gold Coast. And while summer is typically everyone’s favourite time of year – assuming you can handle the heat – it is also one of the most stressful times of the year in regard to your home plumbing system.
This month, we are pulling out all the clogs and flushing out some of the best ways to stay on top of your plumbing maintenance habits during summer (and beyond).
While it’s obviously a better idea to learn what not to flush down the toilet or garbage disposal before you use it, the saying ‘better late than never’ exists for a reason.
Whether you’re reminding your kids, the house sitter or guests during your next house party, remind people that generally, it’s best to avoid putting any grease, bones, fruit pits, seeds, egg shells, celery, coffee grounds or pasta down the drain, as these items are most likely to cause clogs. Want to sharpen the blades on your garbage disposal? Try a few cubes of ice.
Additionally, your house guests and family members should also know what not to flush down the toilet, from basics like toilet cleaning pads and paper towels to overlooked, lesser known items like dental floss, baby wipes, hair, napkins, paper towels, facial tissues, sanitary items and nappies.
When it comes to clogs in your home plumbing system, a little preparation and knowledge goes a long way. Unclog your kitchen sink with baking soda and distilled white vinegar, your bathroom sink and shower with tweezers, an old toothbrush or a wire hangar, and buy an inexpensive plunger to have on hand in case of any clogged toilet emergencies. If all else fails, try boiling water.
Like we said before, preparation is key, and can lead to fewer opportunities for expensive and major plumbing repairs down the line. Because homeowners are more likely to do additional loads of laundry and dishes during summer months compared to other times of year, it’s vital to fix any possible leaks now and avoid further complications later on.
While some fixtures, connections or hoses may need a simple glance-over, our experienced and reliable plumbing professionals will be more than happy to check for any preventative plumbing maintenance around your home.
In addition to checking your household fixtures for leaks, another essential step to plumbing maintenance – which also doubles as a money saver – is to turn down the temperature on your water heater. After all, there’s no use in heating water you don’t plan to use in the warmer weather!
Before you gear up for your next gardening project, be sure to thoroughly inspect your yard to ensure you don’t hit any gas or sewer lines in the area. That is one outdoor project you definitely don’t want to deal with!
Also, avoid planting trees anywhere where the roots may grow toward – or even into – your sewer and drainage lines, as this is definitely a common and costly repair among many homeowners.
We look forward to helping you with all your plumbing inspections, repairs and needs on the Gold Coast. Be sure to contact us at 1300-025-116 for more information or to request a quote for your home or business.
