Summer is always a welcome relief from our frigid Wisconsin winters. It means spending time outdoors, whether you’re camping, barbecuing, or relaxing poolside. But as it gets hotter outside, our water usage tends to go up—on average, water usage increases by 25 to 50 percent during summertime. And that extra usage can wreak havoc on your plumbing.
Beat the Heat Without Sacrificing Your Plumbing
The good news is there are steps you can take to ensure your plumbing system stays up to snuff during the warm summer months. Use these six tips to help avoid any summer plumbing problems:
- Turn down your water heater while you’re on vacation. There’s nothing like a good summer vacation. But if you’re going to be away from home for days at a time, turn down your water heater to save energy. Not only will it not be used while you’re gone but giving it a break also helps lengthen its lifespan.
- Throw leftover barbecue away. Grilling is another summertime staple. But if you don’t finish your plate, be sure to throw the food away rather than put it down the drain or garbage disposal—same goes for any grease. These are easy ways to cause clogs and water backups.
- Keep an eye on your washing machine. Laundry seems to pile up more easily in the summertime. That means your washing machine works extra hard to keep your clothes clean. It’s a good idea to inspect its hoses and check the machine for hard water buildup to ensure it isn’t wearing down or wasting water.
- Replace older appliances with water-efficient ones. We tend to forget about items such as our showerheads—they’re one of those things that, as long as they work, we don’t worry about. But it could be wasting water. Consider replacing older showerheads or faucets and toilets with more water-efficient products.
- Water your lawn and garden at the right times. You can save a considerable amount of water—and money on your water bill—by watering your yard at the right time. Early mornings and evenings are the best times, when the sun isn’t at its strongest. If you water your lawn midday, you could be losing a lot of it as it evaporates in the heat.
- Prepare for the extra humidity. Humidity and summer tend to go hand in hand. That humidity can overload your house with moisture, which can clog drains and cause water backups and potential leaks. Home dehumidifiers are a great option to help prevent any potential problems—and keep you more comfortable.
Need Summer Plumbing Help? Advanced Comfort Is Only One Call Away
If these tips aren’t enough to ward off summer plumbing problems—or if you simply have questions about keeping your home safe and comfortable—give our experts a call at 920-564-2333 or contact us online. We’re always eager to lend a hand.
