Warm Weather Plumbing Problems

As Phoenix’s hot weather threatens, it’s time to watch out for warm weather plumbing problems. If you know what to look for, you’ll be able to prevent the worse problems before they start.

Garbage disposal

When BBQ season begins, garbage disposals can take a big hit. People bring in their plates and dump all kinds of large food items down the sink expecting the disposal to be able to deal with it all.

The garbage disposal isn’t made to deal with all the detritus from a summer BBQ blowout. Fruit is hard on disposals, and all that grease from the burgers, steaks, ribs, and dogs is the worst thing you can put down a disposal.

Make sure everyone is very clear about what can and cannot go down the garbage disposal. Take time to clean it a few times during the hottest months and use some vinegar and lemon juice to help keep it smelling sweet.

Washing machine problems

The hotter it is, the more clothes we need to wash. Whether clothes need washing because the kids have been out playing in the dirt or because everyone is extra hot and sweaty, all that laundry takes a toll on the washing machine.

Move your washing machine out a bit from the wall to keep it from overheating. Wash small loads whenever you can to ease the strain on your machine. Take a look at all the hoses going in and out and make sure they aren’t kinked.

If your washing machine starts making noises, shudders too much during a cycle, sends you odd signals, or just doesn’t seem to be doing its job right, call Phoenix plumbing experts to make sure you get it taken care of quickly.

Pipe problems

Back during the construction heyday of Phoenix, home builders used a lot of polybutylene pipes when installing home plumbing. No one today is completely sure how many homes in Phoenix have these pipes installed, but if yours does these pipes can cause serious issues.

The combination of Phoenix heat and the local water supply, which is full of oxidants, causes these pipes to break down. The inside of the pipes wears out, flakes off, and then becomes brittle. Once they get brittle, they can suddenly burst.

It takes around 12 years for the pipes to break down, so if you’re not sure what pipes you have, it pays to check. Call a plumber and get an inspection before a problems happens.

Toilet issues

When everyone is home from school all day and relatives come to visit, toilets get a lot more use. Combine that issue with everyone drinking a lot more water to stay hydrated in the heat, and it’s not surprising that toilets tend to clog more often in the summer.

It pays to keep an eye on it by regularly checking on how well your toilet is flushing. You should also look carefully around the base of the toilet and make sure you don’t see any signs of leaks. In addition to water, keep an eye out for stains and warping of the floor at the toilet base.

Make sure you have a chat with your kids and guests so they know what your toilet can and cannot handle. Make sure the young ones aren’t using too much TP and never put wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels in your toilet.

The warm weather brings a lot of fun with it, but it is also is hard on your plumbing. With all you have going on in the summer, from BBQ to birthdays to visitors, the last thing you need is a plumbing problem. Make sure your plumbing is ready for the hot weather.