Summer’s scorching sun often brings the desperate need to cool down. While your air conditioner (AC) takes center stage in this battle, don’t underestimate the role your plumbing plays in keeping you comfortable. An efficient plumbing system can significantly impact your home’s coolness and your wallet this season. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through a few summer plumbing tips to help you beat the heat this season.

Taming the Hot Water Heater

Your water heater works tirelessly year-round, but summer presents unique challenges. Here’s how to ensure it runs smoothly:

• Temperature Tune-Down: During the summer, consider lowering your water heater’s temperature to a setting between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This not only reduces energy consumption but also prevents scalding risks, especially for families with young children.
• Sediment Removal: Over time, sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater’s tank, reducing its efficiency. Flushing the tank annually removes this sediment, allowing your heater to function optimally. This is a task best left to a qualified plumber.
• Consider a Heat Pump Water Heater: If you’re planning a water heater replacement, think about a heat pump water heater. This innovative system extracts heat from the surrounding air, resulting in significant energy savings compared to traditional gas or electric models.

Keeping the Pipes Flowing Freely

Clogged drains are a major plumbing headache, and they’re especially unwelcome during the summer months when water usage increases. Here are some summer plumbing tips to prevent blockages:

• Mind What Goes Down the Drain: This might seem obvious, but it’s worth reiterating. Grease, coffee grounds, food scraps, and anything other than toilet paper shouldn’t be flushed or poured down drains. These materials can accumulate over time and cause clogs.
• Embrace Drain Guards: Install drain guards in your sinks and showers to catch hair and other debris before they enter the pipes. Remember to clean these guards regularly.
• Regular Enzymatic Treatment: For preventive maintenance, use enzymatic drain cleaners once a month. These eco-friendly cleaners contain enzymes that break down organic materials that can contribute to clogs.

Conserve Every Drop

Water conservation is crucial year-round, but even more so during the hot summer months. Here are some simple tips to make every drop count:

• Shorter Showers: Every minute you shave off your shower time translates to gallons of water saved. Consider installing a low-flow showerhead to further reduce water usage without compromising your showering experience.
• Fix Leaky Faucets: A leaky faucet might seem like a minor annoyance, but those drips can add up to a significant amount of wasted water over time. Repair or replace leaky faucets promptly.
• Full Loads Only: When it comes to laundry and dishwashing, resist the urge to run loads with half-empty machines. Wait until you have a full load to maximize water efficiency.

Beat the Heat and Save Money

By following these summer plumbing tips, you’ll ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently, which helps you stay cool during the hottest days. Remember, an efficient plumbing system translates to lower energy bills and less strain on your HVAC system. So, take control of your home’s comfort and wallet this summer with a little plumbing TLC.

How Plumbing 911 Can Help

Plumbing 911 is a reputable plumbing firm made up of professionals. Plumbing 911 offers full service for both residential and commercial properties, including everyday maintenance and emergency needs. Our professionals are skilled in fixing clogged drains and toilets, leaky and damaged faucets and pipes, low water pressure, running toilets, sump pumps, and water heaters. For a free inspection in your area, call Plumbing 911 at 1-866-720-0911, schedule an appointment today, or send an email. We cover Cuyahoga East, Cuyahoga West, Medina, Summit, Stark, Lake, and Geauga.