The summer weather means it’s a good time to do an audit and a basic check up on what is arguably, the most important system in your house. Here are four tips from Pipe Perfection Plumbers to get your home in shape for the summer:
1. More outdoor fun means more dirty clothes
Our first tip? Check your washing machine hoses for bulges, leaks or cracks. Also, move your machine at least 10 cms from the wall to prevent hose kinking and damage, and never leave your home while the washer is running. Remember – washing machine hoses should be replaced approximately every three years. One more laundry tip (and while it’s not actually about plumbing, it’s an important one). Be sure to remove dryer lint regularly – it’s a regular cause of house fires.
2. Be careful what you put down your kitchen drain
Don’t pour fats or cooking oils down the sink… they form clots in the pipes. Instead, pour it into a non recyclable container and place it in the rubbish. And never, ever put instant stuffing, potato mixes or similar “just-add-water” foods down the drain – they’ll create an instant clog when you add water.
3. A simple way to save money and energy
While the weather is still warm, turn the temperature of your hot water heater down – you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.
4. Prevent sewer line backups
When those heavy summer storms hit, rainwater floods sewer pipes via cracks. Spring tree root growth can cause sewer backup issues too, because roots are drawn toward the sewer line as a source of nutrition. Sinks and basins that are slow to drain are often a sign that something is not right. Our advice? Have a plumber inspect your sewer pipes to find out if you are susceptible to a sewer line backup problem – or if damage has already occurred. Pipe Perfection will be able to help you determine the best treatment option for proper drain cleaning.
Courtesy of weatherzone.com.au
Kate Barnett