Summer Plumbing Checklists for California Households

Summer in California is about the sunshine, grill, and an extended day out to enjoy the day. You are having fun during the season, but at the same time, your plumbing system is serving overtime. Lawns, pools and showers can increase the amount of water used to a point of overloading your pipes, fixtures, and your water heater. All it takes is a basic summer plumbing checklist, which will help identify hidden issues at an early stage and ensure that the systems of your home are functioning well throughout the summer.

Check Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Summer implies more water consumption, be it watering the lawn or washing the drives. Begin your plumbing inspection with the outside. Check all faucets, hoses, and sprinkler heads to determine any leakages, rust or poor water pressure. Change deteriorated washers and screwy connections to avoid water leakage. Scout your yard area and find places of dampness that may indicate underground leaks- these may add up to a higher water bill during summer without your knowledge. 

Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters do not necessarily belong to the plumbing system of your house, but they are very important in ensuring that the foundation of your home is not ruined by water. Blocked gutters may cause water to overflow around the foundation of your house and enter the soil or crawl spaces and may overload pipes near your home. Have gloves and a hose to clean up the mess every now and then, daily after dry and windy days or summer rain showers. 

Look at Leaks Caused Indoors

Look in your house under sinks, toilets, and in the area of your water heater. Even minor leaks may result in huge problems when they are not detected during the hot summer months. The dry air in California can hasten corrosion on pipes and fittings, and hence regular inspections are more crucial. In case of the musty smell or water stains, then it is high time you book with the professional leak detection services before it escalates. 

Clean the Water Heater

During summer, when water demand is higher, particularly when it comes to showers, dishwashing and laundry, your water heater labors more than it does in the rest of the year. The accumulation of sediments within the tank may decrease the heating performance and cause weird sounds. Fill your water heater at least twice a year (or more often in hard water areas such as Orange County) in order to get rid of the sediments and to be able to work optimally. Inspect the unit for rust, leaks, and constant thermostat settings. 

Consider Washing Machines

Water-consuming appliances are not given much attention until a drop or a little drip turns into a catastrophe. Check the rubber/braided hoses that are attached to your dishwasher and washing machine. Check around connections to look at bulges, cracks or moisture. Replacement of hoses: Replace hoses after every three to five years- this is particularly in high temperature regions where heat speeds up wear. Ensure that all the connections of appliances are tight. 

Clean your drains and P-taps

Hot weather may hasten the accumulation of grease, soap and bacteria in drains. Once every month, clean your sink and shower drains with a safe solution of baking soda and vinegar, then add hot water. This is a natural process that assists in the dissolving of waste without being harsh like chemical cleaners. In case you see any odors or slow drainage, empty the P-trap underneath your sink- it traps debris before it goes into your main line. 

Monitor Water Pressure

Excessive pressure of water may increase the strain of pipes and lead to leakage, whereas low pressure can indicate a blockage or leak. Check the pressure of your home by using a pressure gauge in an outside faucet to keep the pressure at the right level between 40 and 60 psi. When it is always beyond that range, then get a plumber to install or adjust your pressure-reducing valve. Unrecognized pressure changes are usually the onset of summer plumbing strain. 

Test Drains, Sump Pumps, and Sewer Lines

Drainage systems can be overloaded in case of heavy watering and humid coastal conditions. Check sump pumps in the basement or crawl space to make sure that they can work on rainy days. The homes that have older sewer lines, and in particular the homes that have tree roots around the sewer line, should undergo an annual check-up or hydro-jetting, should stop the expensive summer backups. The maintenance of drains and sewer lines is also another important aspect of preventing the bad surprises in the case of guests.

Book a Professional Inspection

The most detailed DIY checklist will never reveal emerging issues that are concealed behind walls or underground. It is always a good idea to schedule a summer check-up with a reputable plumbing company that will make sure that all parts, such as water heaters and sewer lines, are in proper functionality. Reliable people such as the plumbing experts at WhiteGlovePlumbingca.com are the ones who know how to spot little problems even before they may develop into emergencies of water damage. Their licensed and insured workforce is available to the Southern California homeowners with full-time responsiveness and impeccable work quality.

Conclusion

Comfortable and worry-free California summer is only possible with the help of a properly-kept plumbing system. Small preventive measures that will help keep your property safe and lessen water waste can be found in clearing gutters to inspecting appliances. By doing these four summer plumbing jobs now, you are saving money, saving precious water and also preparing your home to meet the needs of the season. You can keep your home dry all through summer with some care, attention, and assistance of experts where necessary.