Summer in the Sunshine State is characterized by high temperatures that beckon Floridians to step outside and soak up some revitalizing solar rays. However, while summer means fun and sun for us, it can spell trouble for our plumbing systems. High temperatures can cause pipes to expand and burst. Summer’s increased rainfall can also result in clogged outdoor drains. Our overall water usage also rises in the summer, negatively impacting home water pressure.
Spare yourself the trouble of making costly repairs — follow these tips from Sunshine Plumbing and Gas to protect your plumbing this summer.
Contact us today to request a free estimate on any of our plumbing services!
Insulate Exterior Pipes
Throughout the summer, exterior pipes are mercilessly blasted by heat and UV rays from the sun. Over time, this can cause them to warp and expand, putting them at risk of bursting. Burst pipes are major inconveniences — worse yet, they’re liable to cause water damage. Insulating exposed pipes will provide them relief from the sun’s harsh rays and help prevent warping. Many home improvement stores sell foam tubes that homeowners can wrap around exterior pipes as insulation. Also, applying light-colored acrylic paints to reflect sunlight can drastically reduce the amount of UV rays that pipes absorb.
Test The Sump Pump
Sump pumps are tasked with a duty of paramount importance: making sure our homes don’t flood! Ideally, these pumps should be tested and cleaned every three to four months. Because this season often brings heavy rainfall, storms, and even hurricanes, summer is the perfect time to test and clean the sump pump. As one of our many services, our Ocala plumbers can inspect your sump pump, identify any outstanding issues, and provide necessary repairs to ensure your system is in working order before the next big summer storm hits. A failing sump pump can result in thousands of dollars in damages to a home, so don’t neglect their quarterly maintenance.
Clear Downspout & Gutters Of Debris
Many don’t realize it, but a home’s gutters and downspouts are an integral part of their plumbing system, responsible for safely directing rainwater away from a structure’s foundation and preventing water damage. However, over time debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, and dirt will accumulate in a gutter, eventually clogging it. For this reason, it is crucial to clean downspouts and gutters of debris as summer begins because, as mentioned before, increased temperatures means increased rainfall.
Limit Excessive Water Use
Over the summer, many individuals may notice a decrease in their water pressure across their households. This is because we use more water in the summer months, sometimes so much that we overtax our systems. Unfortunately, this over-taxation can speed up wear and tear across a home’s plumbing, increasing the system’s susceptibility to damages. Avoid working water lines too hard by spreading out water usage. Don’t run the dishwasher, sprinkler system, shower, and washing machine all at once; wait until one finishes to start the next. Also, observing when neighbors use their sprinklers and setting yours at a different time can help as well.
If you take all the necessary precautions, but low water pressure persists, there may already be damages, or other underlying problems, throughout the system. In which case, homeowners should contact an Ocala plumber to see if they require piping services.