Summer Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them

As the weather warms up, it’s not just your skin that needs protection from the summer heat. Your plumbing does too.

While it’s not commonly known, summer can bring a set of unique challenges to your home’s plumbing system.

Let’s delve into the common summer plumbing problems and how to address them:

• Detecting Leaking Taps: A drip, drip isn’t just an annoyance; it can inflate water bills and cause undue damage. Regular checks help prevent this.
• Managing Clogged Toilets: With more time at home, toilets get more use. Know how to deal with clogs swiftly.
• Overcoming Low Water Pressure: Summer plant growth can hinder water supply. Keep an eye on any sudden drop in pressure.
• Solving Water Heater Issues: Regular maintenance keeps your hot water flowing, even on the hottest days.
• Avoiding Outdoor Plumbing Hassles: Be careful with sprinklers and pools to avoid unnecessary leaks and bursts.
• Remedies for Sump Pump Problems: A sump pump is essential to prevent flooding during summer storms. Ensure it’s working efficiently.

Being mindful of these potential issues can make the difference between an uneventful summer and a calamity-filled one.

Avoiding Unnecessary Hassles

Taking preventative measures is key to avoiding summer plumbing problems.

Regular checks of your taps, toilets and sprinkler systems can save you from untimely repair work.

A little preparedness can go a long way toward ensuring your summer is filled with fun, not plumbing frustrations.

The bottom line is to stay vigilant so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest.

1. Detecting and Preventing Leaking Taps

You might not realise it, but a dripping tap can cause quite a bit of water waste. The U.S. Geological Survey’s leaky tap calculator indicates that one drip per minute can waste 34 gallons per year.

Maintaining your taps is crucial to prevent such wastage. A leaky shower head or tap can usually be attributed to worn-out components such as O-rings, washers, and gaskets.

Do It Yourself Tap Fix

Replacing these parts rather than the entire tap assembly is usually the more economical solution. It’s also relatively straightforward, making it a viable DIY project.

Further to causing excessive water waste, a constantly damp environment from a leaking tap could also lead to mould growth.

Mould Risks

Given the health risks associated with mould exposure, especially for young children who may develop asthma over prolonged periods, it becomes even more imperative to fix leaky taps promptly.

To undertake this task, start by turning off the water supply. Open the tap to release any leftover water in the line and close the drain to avoid losing any small parts.

Tap Repair Steps

Identify your type of tap – they’re generally categorised into two: compression taps (with washers) and washerless taps which include cartridge, ceramic-disk, and ball-type designs.

Your repair approach will depend on your type of tap. So understand your tap structure before starting.

Apart from replacing worn parts, some homeowners might choose to simply tighten the handles or find a ‘sweet spot’ that halts the dripping temporarily – however this won’t solve the problem in the long run.

A more substantial fix might involve using a small piece of hose to trap the dripping water until you’re ready for a proper repair. This could protect your home from potential mould risks and unnecessary water waste.

2. How To Handle Clogged Toilets

What is the best way to unclog a toilet?

Unclogging a blocked toilet often starts with using a plunger. The key to using a plunger correctly is gentle pushing and vigorous pulling.

Misconceptions exist around what plungers should be used for toilet blockages. A simple suction-cup style plunger is often mistaken for a toilet plunger when it’s more suited for sinks.

For toilets, it’s better to use either a ball-shaped or a foldout-cup plunger. These offer a better seal and are designed to dislodge blockages in the unique shape of toilet drains.

What types of clogs can occur in toilets?

Toilet clogs can be categorised as slow-drain or no-drain blockages. A slow-draining toilet may be cleared using a plunger while a no-drain blockage might need a toilet auger.

No-drain blockages occur when an object entirely obstructs the drain, commonly seen in homes with young children who have flushed toys or other non-flushable items.

How do I use a plunger to clear my clogged toilet?

Start with gloves on and place rags or newspaper around the toilet to protect the floor from potential spills. Lift the seat and place your plunger into the toilet.

Ensure enough water is in the bowl to cover your plunger. Carefully aim to let out air from the plunger by tipping it towards the water surface so you’re plunging with water, not air.

Then create a seal by covering the drain opening with your plunger; use gentle pushes and energetic pulls, creating a rocking effect to dislodge the blockage.

What if my plunger isn’t enough to clear the clog?

If plunging efforts are unsuccessful, consider using a toilet auger. The toilet auger can be used to retract the blockage back into the toilet for removal.

Their operation styles may vary, but most involve a handle crank, making it easy to manoeuvre the wire into the drain and clear the clog.

Remember, do not flush while unclogging as this might lead to overflow. Also, avoid chemical drain cleaning products as they can harm your toilet’s porcelain and even your health if used with a plunger.

3. Overcoming Low Water Pressure in Summer

As an experienced plumber, one query I often hear is about improving home water pressure.

Earlier, increasing mains water pressure was a complex job, now we have uncomplicated solutions from brands like Salamander that can be fitted within a day.

Problems	Causes	Solutions
Low water pressure	Poor flow and static pressure	Measure and improve flow and static pressure separately
Dribbling showers	Using multiple taps simultaneously	Install a boost unit to maintain pressure during simultaneous use
Inadequate flow rate for multiple showers	Insufficient mains pressure and flow rate	An unpumped boost unit to store water under pressure for multiple showers
Poor pressure despite new water main installation	Lack of proper fittings or a pumped unit in the mains system	Fitting a pumped unit with the help of a professional plumber
Mains contamination due to joint compounds, flux or soldered joints	Pipework not flushed properly post-installation	Proper pipework flushing pre and post- installation of new hardware
Table: Common summer plumbing problems, causes and solutions.

The above table offers an overview of some common summer plumbing problems and potential solutions.

We often mistake decreasing flow for decreasing pressure. However, it’s not the same.

You can measure both flow and pressure separately using simple at-home methods or professional equipment.

For instance, using a stopwatch and a bucket to measure flow and a weir cup to measure pressure is effective.

Your mains pressure can vary depending on overall water consumption in your neighbourhood.

Low flow can be improved by installing a suitable pump, but remember that water regulations limit you to 12 liters per minute to prevent disproportionate usage.

If you have multiple showers in your home, an unpumped boost unit can significantly improve your experience.

This unit stores water under pressure and releases it as needed providing uninterrupted water flow during simultaneous use of multiple outlets.

The installation of these units is relatively easy and can be done with supplied fittings. Make sure any compound residue or flux is flushed out to avoid contamination while fitting these units.

Finally, always consult professionals or technical teams from brands like Salamander to choose the best products for your home.

4. Solving Common Water Heater Issues

Do you have a fuel-fired water heater in your home? You might encounter combustion problems from time to time.

A common issue is the need to seal and insulate, particularly around ductwork. This can help improve your home’s efficiency.

Another concern with fuel-fired heaters is the possible ventilation issues. If your home isn’t properly ventilated, it may cause safety hazards.

Ventilation issues can lead to dangerous situations, including carbon monoxide build-up which can risk your safety.

To identify ventilation issues, look for signs like stuffy air, or if any of your appliances are not burning correctly.

Proper inspection and maintenance of your water heater can also help in preventing combustion safety problems.

Ideally, an annual check-up of your heating system by a certified plumber could nip potential problems in the bud.

In addition to maintenance, educating ourselves about these common problems can help us prevent them from happening.

So remember: seal and insulate, maintain proper ventilation, and keep safety in mind when dealing with fuel-fired water heaters.

5. Managing Washing Machine Problems

Handling washing machine problems can seem daunting, but don’t worry, many of these complications are easily fixable, even for beginners.

Detecting and Dealing with Grinding Noises

Firstly, strange grinding noises can be a cause for concern. However, an easily removable front panel enables easy inspection.

Tackling Draining Issues

Draining issues? This could be due to objects lodged in the pump hose. Thanks to elementary removal, objects such as socks can be extracted promptly, reducing downtime.

Addressing Slow or No Fill

Your washing machine filling slowly or not at all? A quick clean of the water valve’s inlet screens often does the trick. Success isn’t guaranteed though and sometimes a complete water valve assembly replacement ($35) might be necessary.

Solving Agitation or Spin Failures

If your machine fills with water but then doesn’t take any further action, you might have a broken lid switch. This is comparatively easy to troubleshoot by using a continuity tester (about $8) or a multimeter (about $15).

Note that attempting these repairs does require a basic toolset and potentially a morning’s commitment.

Purchasing parts online is straightforward – just search for “appliance parts”. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll be able to remedy about 90 percent of common washer troubles yourself!

6. Avoiding Outdoor Plumbing Hassles

Water freezing in outdoor taps during the colder months can create a major headache. The solution is surprisingly straightforward.

Initially, ensure you close the water valve linked to your outdoor spigot. This will prevent further water flow, reducing the likelihood of freezing and subsequent pipe damage.

Turning off the water valve to your outdoor tap during winter is a simple preventative measure against frozen pipes.

Subsequent to closing the valve, it’s essential to drain any remaining water from the line. This helps protect your pipes from potential freeze-induced cracks.

This is just one trouble-free method that homeowners can adopt to sidestep avoidable outdoor plumbing issues this summer. By taking a few moments to prepare, you reduce the risk of unnecessary hassle and expense later on.

By providing these easy-to-follow suggestions, we hope to help you maintain an efficient home plumbing system, regardless of the season.

7. Remedies for Sump Pump Issues

If your sump pump’s screen is blocked, water may not flow freely, leading to potential flooding. Regularly inspect and clean the screen to maintain efficiency.

Sometimes, the sump pump switch becomes lodged against the side of the basin, or debris can hinder its function. A simple inspection can resolve this issue.

In colder climates, the external drainage pipe may freeze. Install a stop to redirect the drainage, helping water exit before reaching the frozen pipe.

Overloading one circuit with multiple appliances can trip the electrical circuit breaker. Dedicate a separate circuit for your sump pump to prevent this problem.

Potential Sump Pump Issues	Remedies
Blocked Screen	Regular Cleaning
Switch Problems	Manual Inspection
Frozen Drainage Pipe	Install Drainage Stop
Tripped Circuit Breaker	Dedicate Separate Circuit
Table: Common sump pump issues and their solutions.

Your sump pump may generate noise due to water hammering. Though not a fault, installing a quiet check valve can reduce the noise.

8. Dealing with Dishwasher and Disposal Problems

If your dishwasher fails, don’t fear. 68% of homeowners who encountered this issue tried to solve it themselves. It’s often more cost-effective to mend a malfunctioning dishwasher than to replace it.

• Repair costs: These can vary greatly, from $50 up to $1,000.
• Economic decision: Weigh up whether it’s cheaper to fix or upgrade before making a choice.
• Dishwasher lifespan: Typically, dishwashers have a 10-year lifespan. A well-maintained machine can perform optimally during this period.
• Maintenance matters: Regular maintenance of your appliance can extend its life and keep it performing at its best.

It is worth noting that these factors also apply when it comes to dealing with disposal repairs. Taking care of these appliances is crucial for their longevity and optimal performance.

To save money and extend the life of your appliances, consider learning some basic repair skills yourself. There’s plenty of online resources to guide you through these tasks.

No one wants to face expensive replacements when simple fixes can often suffice. It’s all about knowing what you’re dealing with and making informed decisions.

Final Plumbing Insights

Summer can be a challenging time for your plumbing system. To avoid unanticipated issues, regularly check overflows, inspect hoses, and keep an eye on sprinklers. Outdoor drains should be cleared of leaves and debris to prevent blockages, and it’s always a good idea to limit water usage during peak times. By taking these steps, you can ensure a trouble-free summer for your home’s plumbing.