The heat is on!  Summer’s rising temperatures often coincide with an increase of water usage, both indoors and outdoors.  It’s estimated that a family’s water usage can increase by 25%-50% during the warmest months of the year.  We are always looking for ways to save some money, so these helpful tips will give your plumbing and water bill a little break:

If you’re vacationing away from your home for several days, turn down your water heater to save energy.  It’s also important to know that the average life of a water heater is anywhere from 8-11 years old.  If you don’t know the age of your system, check the last four digits of the serial number on the tank.  This will show you the month and year it was manufactured.

Another great way to save money and energy while on your vacation is to turn up the temperature of your refrigerator. But if you do turn up your fridge make sure you remove highly perishable foods, like dairy, produce, and meat first.

Make sure to check your ductwork for condensation. This can cause a backup if the drains are not clear. Leaks inseams can also cause condensation. If you notice problems call us today!

Summertime means entertaining family and friends with cookouts and get-togethers, which mean lots of food that could end up in your disposal

• So be careful what you put down your kitchen disposal after your cookout. Most are not equipped to handle cornhusks, celery, banana peels and other fibrous or “stringy” foods. Some other items to stay away from are fats or cooking oils because they form clogs in the pipes.
• Make sure you Run cold water at full pressure for 15 seconds before and after you put anything down the disposal to flush it through.
• And NEVER put instant stuffing, potato mixes or similar “just-add-water” foods down the drain—they’ll create an instant clog when you add water. Pasta, rice, and eggshells should also be avoided.

Does it seem like summer laundry never ends?  Make sure you give your washing machine a break and visually inspect the machine and hoses for bulges, leaks, and cracks. The lifetime of a rubber washing machine hose should be replaced approximately every 3 years. Also, be sure to clean out your dryer lint regularly.

Consider replacing some of your older appliances such as your showerheads, faucets, and toilets with EPA WaterSense products. Click here to see how much you can save annually on your water bill!

Water your lawn at the right time!  It’s suggested that the best time to water lawns and landscapes is in the early morning and evening after the sun goes down.  If you decide to tend to your lawn in the middle of the day, that water can be lost due to evaporation from the heat throughout the day.

Do you have trees planted in your front lawn? Any kind of tree growth can cause roots to make their way to your sewer line in search of water.  If you suspect any damage (ie: sewage backups in your lowest level), give us a call to check your lines.

As it goes every season the best defense to ensuring your plumbing systems are running properly is to schedule annual maintenance inspections and keep on top of your systems before it’s too late, or when you need them most.