5 Ways to Avoid Plumbing Headaches This Summer Season

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a licensed, insured, and established business with decades of industry experience, uniformed and regularly-trained plumbers, and a commitment to delivering honest work with transparent pricing.

Be Kind to the Kitchen Sink

Backyard cookouts, family dinners, and kids raiding the fridge can all take a toll on your kitchen plumbing. One of the biggest culprits? The garbage disposal and drains.

If your kitchen starts smelling less like summer and more like spoiled leftovers, it may be time to clean your garbage disposal or schedule a professional drain cleaning. To help prevent this issue, always run cold water while using the disposal and for several seconds afterward to help flush debris down.

Also, avoid putting the wrong things down the drain. These items can lead to stubborn clogs or even damage the disposal:

• Grease and cooking oils
• Stringy or fibrous foods (like celery and corn husks)
• Starchy foods (like bread and pasta)
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves
• Bones or fruit pits

It's also worth noting that harsh chemical cleaners are also problematic. They can corrode pipes and metal, seals, and other components. If you have a septic system, the bacteria can become at risk.

Watch for Toilet Trouble

You don't need a college degree to know that more people at home means more frequent toilet use. That’s life math. Unfortunately, that increased usage means a greater chance of:

• Clogs
• Running toilets
• Loose or rocking toilet bases
• Leaky seals

Kids, in particular, may treat the toilet like a magical trash chute. Remind the household that toilets are not for paper towels, toys, or “just this once” flushable wipes. Also teach everyone about the common signs of trouble: gurgling sounds, phantom flushes, or water pooling at the base.

Stay Ahead of Sewer Line Backups

Tree roots searching for moisture in plumbing pipes, storms saturating the ground and overwhelming the drainage, and heavy laundry and dishwashing will all put additional strain on your sewer line this summer. Stay ahead of backups by watching out for warning signs. Call for an inspection or plumbing repair service if you notice:

• Multiple slow drains in the house
• Bad odors near drains or outside
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or sinks
• Patches of overly lush and green grass
• Sewage backup (a serious health hazard)

If you catch these signs early, our plumber in North Port, FL can use micro camera technology to diagnose the issue; and hydro-jetting to clear the line before major damage occurs. Don't wait for sewage backups and leaks. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to nip issues in the bud.

Inspect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and outdoor sinks don’t get much attention, but leaking ones can cause major water waste and even foundation damage. Start summer off right by checking

• Hose bibs for drips or cracks,
• Sprinkler heads for leaks, clogging, or poor coverage
• Outdoor pipes and spigots for corrosion or rust

Also, make sure outdoor plumbing is shut off or winterized properly at the end of the season to prevent damage when cooler temperatures return.

Know When to Call in the Pros

Many homeowners are handy with a plunger or can tighten a leaky faucet, but problems deeper than the surface will demand a plumber's expertise. If you're dealing with any of the following, then it's time to consult a pro:

• Persistent clogs
• Water pressure problems
• Hot water shortages
• Unexplained puddles or water stains
• Spike in water bills

The local team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing is always ready to help. Call or message us today to get in touch with a live representative.