Warmer weather is a perfect time to tackle some plumbing maintenance around your business or home. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” holds especially true when performing regular plumbing maintenance. Your pipes shift with large changes in weather from hot to cold or vise versa. Follow our guide that will walk you through some helpful steps.
Plumbing Leaks
Any place water is turned on or off is a great place to start inspecting for leaks.
The following are the best places to start:
- Dripping Faucets
- Dripping Shower Heads
- Ice-maker Water Lines
- Wobbly or Leaking Toilets
- Washing Machine Hoses
- Fridge Water Lines
- Pipes Under Sinks
Also, check around the base of these outlets to determine if any water is seeping from the bases and pooling. Toilets, which get flushed constantly, are also possible leak points. A toilet that runs continuously, has a loose foundation, or flushes slowly could be leaking. Any points of leaking water are signs that some part of the equipment isn’t functioning properly. Cold weather or sudden changes in weather may have weakened faucet parts or caused a pipe to crack and leak or burst.
While in an interview for local TV station, KVUE News, company owner Max Hicks said that foundation shifts that lead to broken pipes can be a common thing in the summer. KVUE reported one couple reported having a $3,000 water bill after drastic weather changes. During extended hot dry summer months, everything contracts. And when things contract, they shrink, it shifts the ground, and it causes water main breaks. 
The goal is to catch any leaks before they linger. Leaking water could be spreading into flooring, cabinets or walls. Wet or damp building materials may attract outside pests such as termites or encourage the growth of mildew or mold inside your business or home. These can lead to serious property damage or health concerns. Check now for plumbing leaks to help keep your business or home safe from future water damage.
Pressure And Hot Water
Low water pressure may be a sign you have a more serious problem. Causes may include a water softener that needs service, a failing water heater or an unseen leaking pipe. The valve controlling the water pressure may be malfunctioning. You can even test your water pressure at home without calling a plumber!
Warm weather also means it’s time to check your hot water heater. If your unit is older than 10 years, it’s possibly time to consider replacement. Water heater concerns are keeping the temperature setting no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, removing anything that has been stored within 2 feet of the unit, and checking for any water leaks at the connections where cold water flows into the unit and hot water flows out to the interior pipes. Keeping your hot water heater working at peak performance saves energy and money.
Drain Cleaning
Drains that are malfunctioning will have a foul odor. Check all pipes to make sure they are not loose or broken. They should be working properly to keep large debris from washing down the drain and getting stuck. If you have any drains that are not often used, pour several pints of hot water down them. This keeps the trap full and stops odors from escaping the drain pipes. Drains in sinks and tubs should be cleaned. Run hot water from the tap down the drains and use a store-purchased plastic wand or bent wire coat hanger to clear out any hair or other debris. Common drain problems are caused by a clog of hair and personal cleaning products. Once any clog is cleared, run the hot water again. If this process doesn’t work, the clog is likely further down the pipe and is a more significant problem. It’s time to call a plumber.
Professional Plumbing Company
Whether you need regular maintenance, emergency repairs, or any related plumbing service, you’ll need a professional plumbing company ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You deserve the best plumbing system possible, provided by professional plumbers with the skills and knowledge to make it happen. Your residential plumbing or commercial plumbing needs deserve quality service from a local company. For all plumbing needs in Austin, call the professionals at Reliant Plumbing today.
