Warm weather means fun in the sun, open swimming pools, and gardening hobbies. Many families look forward to longer days, hotter temps, and neighborhood cookouts. However, summer also comes with a few pitfalls, like significant jumps in the water bill.
At Casper Friendly Services, our trusted plumber in Neptune, NJ, wanted to arm you with some helpful summer plumbing tips to protect your plumbing system and prevent your utility bills from skyrocketing. Find even more joy during these endless summer days by implementing our suggestions for peace of mind.
Summer Plumbing Tips From Your Trusted Plumber in Neptune, New Jersey
Plumbing problems seem to surface out of nowhere. However, many Neptune homeowners don’t keep tabs on their fixtures and pipe networks. Therefore, leaks and clogs catch them by surprise.
When you get to know your residential plumbing and learn what is and isn’t normal, you won’t get caught off guard by many common problems. The following summer plumbing tips can help you gauge water usage and avoid vacation catastrophes.
#1 Watch Your Watering Habits
Do you indulge in common summer pleasures, like uncovering your inground pool, filling up an inflatable pool, or maintaining your lawn and garden? These hobbies require higher water usage. You’ll undoubtedly notice your water bills steeply increase alongside the temperatures.
You shouldn’t have to nix this seasonal fun altogether. What can you do to assuage climbing water usage?
- Reconsider your watering times. You might feel tempted to water as soon as you get home from work when the heat peaks. Try early mornings or late nights instead. The absent sun and cooler temperatures prevent the water from evaporating.
- Change your habits for inflatable pool usage. Cover your filled, inflatable pool with a tarp to limit evaporation and debris contamination. Check online recommendations for measuring bleach or chlorine in the pool to prolong the water’s cleanliness.
- Consider automated sprinkler systems. Customized irrigation might seem like a considerable initial investment, but it pays off in the long run. You can control watering frequency and amount based on temperature and weather.
- Choose native plant life. Native plants have adapted to thrive in New Jersey’s climate. They might require less care and water usage while still embellishing your landscape.
#2 Inspect Your Whole Plumbing System
Seasonal or monthly self-inspections can save you heaps of trouble in the long term. You will learn what is and isn’t normal and identify potential problems. Brush up on the following information:
- How to care for your septic system or sewer connections
- Signs of fixture and pipe leaks
- What to do about clogged drains
- Indicators of failing plumbing appliances
Then, use that information to check your fixtures, appliances, and exposed plumbing for potential problems.
#3 Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valves
While you inspect your plumbing network, determine the location of each water supply valve. This knowledge can save you in a pinch. For example, you might suspect a leak but not see noticeable evidence.
You can turn off each valve one by one to help you scope out the location. You can also quickly cut the water supply if a pipe bursts.
#4 Prepare Your Plumbing for Vacations
Households in Neptune, New Jersey, frequently plan long vacations during summer. After all, the kids are out of school, and the weather is perfect. Who doesn’t want a few beach days?
Before you leave, tick the following tasks of your vacation to-dos:
- Turn off the water supply valves. Nothing ruins a relaxing vacation like returning home to puddled water or indoor floods. Cut the water supply to each fixture, except the ones needed for watering plants or allowing pet sitters to care for animals.
- Turn off your water heater. You don’t need any hot water at home if you aren’t there! If you turn off your water heater, you’ll lower your electric bill.
- Check irrigation systems. If you have an automatic sprinkler setup, make sure it works properly and has no leaks.
These summer plumbing tips can give you complete peace of mind while you enjoy your relaxing vacation.
#5 Make a Habit of Flushing Your Drains
Many homeowners in Neptune, New Jersey, take their drainage systems for granted until a clog throws a wrench in their routines. Your drains need monthly attention to prevent substantial blockages.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it down each drain. When you encounter more stubborn clogs, you can pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, follow up with a cup of white vinegar. After the combination sits for a while, use boiling water to rinse the drain.
#6 Reuse Water When Possible
Increased water usage not only means expensive utility bills but depleted resources. Most water returns to water treatment plants for cleaning, disinfecting, and reuse. However, you can cut down on the amount that runs through your drains by:
- Place rain barrels around your home’s exterior. You can use the rain to help water your lawn and garden.
- Use a bucket to capture shower water. Hygiene is important but results in gallons of wasted water. You can use excess shower water to hydrate potted plants.
- Reuse bathwater. Don’t be so quick to drain your bath water! You can fill jugs for watering flower beds or sit potted indoor plants in the tub to soak up the remaining water.
#7 If You Need New Appliances, Shop for Efficient Models
Many plumbing appliances only last a decade, give or take. You might need a replacement soon! If so, shop for energy-efficient models that need less maintenance, use fewer resources, and may last longer. Check the warranties and installation dates for your:
- Washing machine
- Water heater
- Dishwasher
- Sinks, tubs, and showers
- Toilets
Look up the price of more modernized replacements and budget for them.
#8 Monitor Water Usage Daily
Locate your water meter and record readings daily. This small habit can help you learn which activities waste more water. Then, you can adjust your habits accordingly.
For example, you might take a bath one night instead of a shower. Your reading might reflect an increased water usage. Then, you can find ways to reuse the water and make up for the waste.
#9 Create a Plumbing Toolkit for Your Home
Some of the best plumbing tips involve proactivity and preparation. While you can’t replace professional plumbing, you can handle some mishaps on your own. Create an at-home toolkit that includes the following supplies:
- Drain snakes: A drain snake is a thin, long piece of plastic with small barbs. You can slip it down the drain to snag clogs in sinks and tubs.
- Drain catchers: While scraping food scraps into the garbage will get rid of most drain-clogging debris, you might miss some of it. Drain catchers will capture the rest.
- Vinegar and baking soda: Keep baking soda and white vinegar on hand in case of a significant clog. These ingredients effectively push clogs through the system. They also don’t damage pipe materials or harm the environment, like chemical drain cleaners.
- Pipe clamps or wraps: If you notice a leaky pipe, you might wait a bit before the plumber arrives. A leak wrap or clamp can help contain the dripping water while you wait.
- Wrenches: Some water supply valves feature nuts. You must turn these nuts to cut the water supply on or off. Find wrenches that fit the nut width and keep them on hand for quick supply control.
These tools allow you to handle small blockages, keep minor leaks under wraps, and manage water supply as needed. Leave the rest to your local plumber in Neptune, New Jersey.
#10 Schedule Annual Maintenance With a Professional Plumber
Finally, you need a plumber to cast a professional eye on your plumbing system annually. If you haven’t undergone a yearly plumbing maintenance checkup, call a Neptune plumbing service, like Casper Friendly Services, and schedule an appointment.
Routine maintenance will alert you to any issues you might not notice. Many plumbers will look at the following:
- Exposed pipes: Your plumber might discover small fractures or other minor damage that could result in a surprise leak later.
- Drain networks: Many plumbing companies equip vans with waterproof, infrared cameras to look for potential drainage problems.
- Water heaters: Plumbers will look and listen for any signs that your water heater has a problem.
- Dishwashers: Your plumber can alert you to issues like dirty dishwasher drains, degraded connections, and loosened blades.
- Washing machines: Washing machines feature rubber hoses and other water connections that can incur damage with age. Your plumber will let you know when the washing machine needs cleaning or some extra attention.
- Valves: Valves can be too tight or loose at times. The plumber will ensure they are fully loosened.
These all-point checkups can help you navigate upcoming plumbing repairs where applicable.
Contact Casper Friendly Services in Neptune, New Jersey, for Help With These Tips
Start putting these summer plumbing tips into action with help from Casper Friendly Services in Neptune, New Jersey. We can assist with any plumbing emergency or routine service. Call 732-759-4568 to learn more about our plumbing and HVAC services. We’re ready to help.