Summer in Colorado Springs can place added stress on your plumbing system. This is due to the intense heat and increased water usage. Such factors, plus the seasonal activities carried out during this time, can cause unexpected water issues if you are not prepared.
Some potential problems you are likely to experience include pipe expansion and overworked water heaters. You may also have to deal with reduced water pressure and clogged drains. Without the right maintenance, these issues can escalate quite fast. This can end up causing costly repairs. It can also lead to inconvenient disruptions.
Since you don’t want to experience such issues, it makes sense to be proactive. This article looks at actions you need to take to prepare your plumbing system for summer.
Inspect for Leaks and Cracks
Plumbing Services In Colorado Springs, CO.
When temperatures rise, pipes can expand. This is especially true for those made of metal or older materials. Once this happens, it can make existing weaknesses even worse. Small leaks can quickly escalate into larger problems. This is most likely to happen after exposure to intense heat or increased water usage.
Check under sinks or around toilets. You should also assess basements and along outdoor lines. As you do this, be sure to be on the lookout for any signs of moisture or corrosion. Also, don’t forget to inspect hose bibs and exposed pipes. This is because they are quite vulnerable.
Check Your Outdoor Fixtures
During summer, outdoor fixtures see more use. Some of these include sprinklers and outdoor faucets. You could be watering the lawn or filling up the pool. You could also be washing your car. Regardless of the activity, it’s good to note that these components are usually under constant pressure.
It’s hence crucial to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Look for leaks or reduced water flow. It’s crucial to do this because it’s an indication of internal damage. It could also show that you have some connection issues.
Simple actions like replacing worn washers or tightening loose fittings can help prevent costly water waste.
Flush and Maintain Your Water Heater
Summer means increased showers and laundry loads. These activities make your water heater work harder than you might realize. As part of doing maintenance, consider flushing the heater. This does a great job of removing sediment buildup. Doing this increases efficiency. You will hence enjoy much lower energy bills.
This is a crucial action to take in Colorado Springs. This is because the region has a lot of minerals in the water. Due to this, buildup can happen more often. Flushing thus helps to deal with this problem quite well.
It’s also good to state that your unit is likely to last much longer when you flush and maintain it frequently.
Clear Drains and Gutters
There are various activities that can introduce extra debris into your drainage system. Some of these include increased outdoor activity and more yard work. Others like summer storms can also cause the same. This accumulation can quickly cause clogged pipes and slow drains. It can even result in water damage if left unchecked.
To avoid such issues, consider cleaning out your gutters frequently. You should also flush indoor and outdoor drains on the regular. Doing this helps make sure that water flows freely. It also minimizes the risk of backups.
In addition to the aforementioned, you should consider installing drain screens or covers. These ones come in handy in catching debris prior to reaching the plumbing system.
Monitor Water Pressure and Usage
In Colorado Springs, water demand tends to spike during the hot summer months. This extra demand places a lot of strain on your plumbing system. With this in mind, if you happen to notice a sudden drop in water pressure, it could be an indicator of underlying water issues. Some of these include hidden leaks or mineral buildup.
A good solution to consider is installing a pressure gauge. You may also want to hire a plumber to come and assess your system.
Just before summer comes, it’s good to ensure your plumbing is ready for the extremes. Do this by taking actions like inspecting your system for leaks or maintaining outdoor fixtures. You should also flush your water heater and clear drains. Such measures can help keep your plumbing in top shape at all times.
Summer in Colorado Springs doesn’t have to mean trouble for your pipes. By taking the required measures, you ensure your home is fully protected throughout the warmer months.
