Summer should be for backyard cookouts, long weekends, garden watering, family visits, and kids running in and out of the house.
It should not be for clogged kitchen drains, leaking water heaters, surprise plumbing bills, or water backing up after a heavy storm.
According to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Owner Nick Johnson and Operations Manager John Davis, summer is exactly when small plumbing issues can turn into bigger problems if homeowners are not paying attention.
The good news? A few simple checks can help keep the season running smoothly.
- Go easy on the garbage disposal
Summer cookouts can be tough on a kitchen sink.
Between burgers, ribs, corn on the cob, fruit trays, and leftovers, it can be tempting to rinse everything down the drain and let the garbage disposal handle the mess. Davis said that is one of the easiest ways to create a problem.
“With the holidays coming up, everyone’s going to be cooking, and I always like to remind people that garbage disposals are not meant for full chickens or full racks of ribs,” Davis said.
A few small food scraps may not cause trouble, but large amounts of food waste, grease, or tough leftovers can build up inside the drain line.
“When using the garbage disposal, run a good bit of hot water for a few minutes while leaving the garbage disposal running,” Davis said.
- Watch your water usage when watering the lawn
Between gardens, landscaping, and sprinklers, summer can mean a lot more outdoor water use.
Davis said homeowners who regularly water their lawns or gardens may want to ask about a deduct meter, which can help separate outdoor water use from water that goes back through the sewer system.
“Anytime you use water outside, you don’t have to pay for the sewer for it,” Davis said.
For homeowners with gardens, landscaping, or heavy summer watering needs, these costs can add up. A deduct meter is an upfront investment, but can pay itself off over time for homeowners who use a lot of outdoor water during the summer.
“Let’s say you use 3,000 gallons to water your lawn, you’re really getting charged for six because you’re getting charged for the 3,000 that you put out and 3,000 for the sewer,” Davis said.
- Keep an eye on your home’s water pressure
High water pressure might feel like a good thing, especially when filling a pool or watering the plants. But Johnson said too much pressure can cause corrosion throughout a home’s plumbing system.
“High water pressure can feel convenient, but over time it can add unnecessary wear and tear to your faucets, appliances, water heater, and internal plumbing system,” Johnson said.
Homeowners should consider having their pressure checked if they notice banging pipes, dripping fixtures, running toilets, or appliances wearing out sooner than expected.
- Test your water quality
As families use more water in the summer, it is a good time to understand what is actually flowing through the home.
“Hard water, sediment, chlorine, iron, and other water quality issues can affect more than taste. They can also impact comfort and shorten the lifespan of plumbing fixtures and appliances,” Johnson said.
Clean, quality water matters all year around, but especially during the summer months. Take the time to test for your family and the bones of your home.
- Make sure downspout lines are clear
Summer storms can arrive fast, bringing heavy rain with little warning.
If downspout lines are clogged or blocked, water may not move away from the home properly. Johnson recommends checking downspouts, drain lines, and sump pump discharge areas before the next storm rolls in.
For families hosting guests or heading into a packed summer weekend, that kind of prevention is important and will save many headaches in the future.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers weekend appointments on Saturdays and Sundays, with no dispatch fee and no estimate fee.
“We know this time of year can be especially busy for families, with sports, vacations, summer activities, and packed weekday schedules,” Johnson said. “Offering weekend availability gives customers more flexibility and helps them handle plumbing concerns without having to rearrange an already busy week.”
For more urgent issues, the company’s goal is to respond quickly, usually having a technician to the home within an hour depending on the day’s schedule and location. They will then assess the problem clearly and explain options before work begins.
This response time is intentional.
“We strategically staff plumbers in and around the communities we serve,” Johnson said. “We know homeowners prefer having someone local to their neighborhood and community working in their home.”
Summer memories are better made around the grill, not around a plumbing emergency. A little preparation now can help keep the cookout, the weekend, and the summer season on track.
To learn more or schedule service with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, visit their website or call (740) 520-2665.
