Summertime is a great time to start making the use of your backyard, heading out on vacation, and spending more time with your friends and family. With so many opportunities to socialize and with the kids at home, however, it is also a vital time to look after your plumbing system. More friends, families, and parties mean more toilet flushes, more showers, more dishes to scrub, and more clothes to wash. If you’re a keen gardener, it also means more flowers to water and more opportunities to use your sprinkler. So, to ensure that your plumbing system is up to the job, it is important to adequately prepare with the following steps.

Check for any leaks

Check for any minor leaks to ensure you do not face any major plumbing issues later on in the summer. This means inspecting the pipes plumbing gear both inside and outside of your property including your pipes under the sink, bathtub spigots, all of your faucets, outdoor spigots, showerheads, irrigation sprinklers, water softener connections, water heaters, and any other areas that may be susceptible to leaks. As well as checking for leaks, you should look for issues such as corrosion, rust, or damaged parts. If you discover any issues, get in touch with your plumber for help.

Assess your water pressure

Given that your washer, shower and other water utilities are likely to see increased use of the summer months, it is vital that you maintain strong water pressure. This can be easily done by attaching a gauge to an outdoor spigot. Broadly speaking, good pressure is around 40-45 pounds per square inch (psi), and you should be wary if it exceeds 60 psi.

If you discover that your water pressure is too low, it is a good idea to get in touch with your local water providers to check if there are any maintenance works going on in your area or have had complaints from other customers. If this is the case, you do not need to take any action. If your low pressure appears to be caused by something else, however, then you may need to call in your plumber.

Look out for your main water valve

Your main water valve will likely be located in a space such as a garage, basement or utility room, and it can be used in emergency cases when you need to shut off water to your home. If you are unsure where yours is located, now is a good time to find it. If you are unsure where to start, ask your plumber if they are making a visit for other reasons. If you think you have found the valve but are unsure, try turning it off and trying to run a tap somewhere in the house to check.

If you are going on vacation at some point over the summer, the best way to avoid a flooding emergency is to shut off the water supply to your home just before you leave.

Avoid clogs

Clogs are one of the most common plumbing problems and can be very annoying to deal with during a busy summer. Try to remind your kids not to use too much toilet paper and not to flush any other objects down the toilet. Doing so could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Having your plumbing prepared for the summer is a must! For more information contact D&N Plumbing and Gas.