10 Summer Plumber Tips For Texas Homeowners | Denton, TX
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While summer can lead to plumbing problems everywhere, Texas summers can be particularly problematic when it comes to your plumbing system. Plus, the last time you want to lose access to water is during the middle of a scorching hot summer day. The good news is, there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the summer and prevent plumbing problems. Here are 10 summer plumbing tips that can help you avoid having to call a plumber this year.
1. Have sewer lines inspected
The first thing you should do to take care of your plumbing system this summer is to have a plumber run a camera in your sewer lines. All the rainwater and stormwater can lead to backups in sewer lines, and having somebody run a camera down those lines is the only way to inspect them. If a line is clogged, you can get the clog removed before it gets any worse.
2. Educate your family about drains
Since there’s a lot more traffic in the house during the summer, now is a good time to educate your family about proper drain usage. Teaching your kids what should and shouldn’t go down drains is especially important. Make sure your family knows to avoid things like flushable wipes, cotton swabs, and fats and oils. A plumber can provide more insight on how to take care of your drains.
3. Inspect your water heater
While hot water may not seem like the most important amenity in the summer, you still need it. Take a moment to inspect the water heater at your Denton, TX, home to see if it’s leaking or corroding. You may notice water pooling up around the water heater or rust starting to form on the outside of the tank; if you notice these problems, it’s probably time for a new water heater.
4. Check the tub
Bathtubs are a common spot for moisture problems, so make sure you check out your bathtub before the summer arrives. First, take a look at the grout around the edge of the tub to make sure it’s properly sealed. You should also keep an eye out for loose or mushy tiles, as that’s a sign of water damage. If you spot these problems, call a plumber.
5. Keep an eye on toilets
With all the people using your toilets all day, they’re more likely to clog than ever. Make sure you keep an eye on your toilets and clean the drains out every once in a while. You can call a plumber to remove a clog from a toilet drain, or you can try doing it yourself with an enzyme-based liquid drain cleaner and a plunger.
6. Go easy on the garbage disposal
If you have a tendency to put a lot of food down the garbage disposal, stop. The more food you put down your disposal, the more likely you are to have to call a plumbing service. If you want to keep your drains clog-free and running smoothly all summer long, make sure you’re careful about what you put in the disposal.
7. Keep a trash bin by the toilet
People often throw garbage in the toilet because there’s no trash bin readily available. The best thing you can do to lighten the load on your toilet is to keep a trash bin by the toilet. This will give the kids a spot to throw stuff away, and you won’t have to worry about guests not knowing where the bin is and flushing garbage instead.
8. Run fixtures regularly
Every drain in your home is equipped with a P trap, which holds a little bit of standing water to keep sewer gases from coming back up through your drain pipes. When the water dries up, the P trap stops working. This is why you should run every fixture in your home at least once a week. You don’t have to run a ton of water in the basement bathroom that you rarely use, but simply leaving a faucet on for a minute can save you a call to a plumber.
9. Check hose bibs
Hoses and sprinklers are a critical part of summer as far as your plumbing system goes. Since you don’t have to worry about the sweltering heat yet, have a plumber check the hose bibs at your Denton, TX, home. Hose bibs are the little outdoor faucets that you connect a hose to, and they’re an essential part of summer plumbing. You might even want to consider adding a hose bib to your home if you feel like you could use an additional hose connection.
10. Inspect your cabinets
Most homeowners don’t clean cabinets under sinks often enough, which means they don’t even know if there’s a moisture problem or not. Before summer arrives, inspect your cabinets for water damage to see if you need to call a plumber. If you notice a discolored spot, standing water or a mildew smell in a cabinet, you should call a plumber to have them check for leaks. The sooner you fix a leak, the less water damage you’ll have to repair down the road.
Call Us Now
Summer is approaching fast, and making sure your plumbing system is ready for the change in seasons is important. The good news is, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas is here to help with all your summer plumbing needs. Whether you need a new hose bib installed, a water heater replaced or a leak fixed, we’ve got you covered. We can even offer advice to help you take care of your plumbing system this summer. For all your Denton, TX, plumbing needs, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas at (469) 573-2535.
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