Over the years, plumber and technician Jim Renzulli has seen
and fixed a great many plumbing, heating and drain problems that could have been prevented or minimized by doing simple things
not obvious to many home and business owners. These
suggestions will add to the safety, comfort and enjoyment of
your home or business.
Here are Jim's "top ten summer plumbing hints and tips"
Check your washing machine's hoses for bulges or soft spots. A hose that is weak is about to rupture..
Check your dryer's vents regularly for build up of materials and clean the vent regularly.
For those of you who have septic tanks, spring and summer is the time to have the tank pumped. Tanks should be pumped every 24 months.
Always turn off laundry valves when the machine is not in use. Never leave your washer or dryer unattended.
Spring through summer is the time for the growth of new tree roots. If you are susceptible to sewer line clogs, consult with your plumber or septic contractor about appropriate treatment.
Check outside hose connections carefully the first time you use the hose each season. Turn on the faucet for a short period of time, 10-15 seconds, and check the inside of your home for leaks. If you find water inside the house near the pipe leading to the hose faucet, this may mean the pipe froze and broke over the winter.
Low volume pressure from your faucet could be a simple matter of a plugged aerator. Simply remove the aerator fixture from which the water comes out and clean it. It may need to be replaced, but this is also simple. You can find a replacement at any hardware store or home center. Low pressure can also be caused by trouble with the pipes caused by the accumulation of calcium and/or minerals.
Cycle your sump pumps to ensure they are in working order.
Do you have standing water in your basement? This is likely caused by a problem with your pipes. They may have leaks or be broken.
Look over your bathroom(s). Check to see if the toilets flush as fast as they used to. Press tiled walls near bathtubs. Press them to see if they are firmly in place. If your walls are soft, a leak may have released water that can damage the walls. Do not flush anything down the toilet that you haven't eaten first. Place a waste basket in the bathroom to encourage users to keep this in mind.