Summer is here, which means warmer temperatures, the kids are off school, and more time in the garden. As with every season, summer has its challenges, so in this article we’re going to look at the most common plumbing issues people face during the warmer months.
Water sprinkler damage
After not being used for a couple of months in the wetter seasons, sprinkler systems are at risk of damaging themselves when they are powered on. Add to this the additional threats that pets, lawnmowers, and playing children can pose to a sprinkler system and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most common issues that people face when summer rolls around. Without a functioning sprinkler system in place a lawn can dry out over the summer, causing all sorts of damage to the grass and plants that depend on it.
Basement floods
When you get heavy rains after a dry spell, oftentimes the soil can’t absorb the water quickly enough. The result is that the ground begins to flood and water forms streams, looking for the lowest point it can find. If the lowest point is your basement, then you’re in trouble. A flooded basement can be a costly and messy disaster for your home, requiring specialist attention — particularly if you have electricity or heating operating out of it. However, prevention is better than cure, and calling a professional before it comes to this is one of the best solutions.
Sewer line backup
Sudden rains can cause blockages in pipes which leads to backup issues. Likewise, unattended tree roots can work their way into your pipeworks and wreak havoc, cracking joints and creating blockages with soil. The less said about the results of this the better.
But, similar to basement flooding, preventive measures are the ideal solution. We don’t need to tell you that as soon as you start having this issue, it’s time to call the plumber in.
Garbage disposal issues
Having more guests over for parties, barbecues, or even simply having visitors means that your disposal unit is going to be put through its paces with all sorts of food waste. If you are confident with how the mechanism of your system operates, you may not need to call the plumber in when an issue arises. More often than not, however, this can be dangerous, messy, or at the very least-time consuming. If you do decide to attempt this, always be sure that your system is unplugged.
Slow draining showers
Fun Fact: Humans, like cats, lose more of their hair in the summer than at other times of the year, replacing it again in the winter months. While this isn’t as noticeable as with cats and dogs, it does have the effect of clogging your shower. Add to this the additional blockages which are caused by soil and sand (from hikes and the beach), and it’s a recipe for clogged pipes. A slow-draining bathtub causing water to rise around your feet as you wash is less than ideal, so make sure that you regularly disentangle your plughole of hair.
But when a plumbing issue overwhelms you, then it’s time for you to call in a plumbing service. Miles Plumbing offers affordable emergency-plumbing services to residents and businesses in Victoria, BC, as well as a suite of other related services such as inspections, cleaning, and gas solutions. Call us now on 250-361-4488 or contact us through the form on our website and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
