It’s hot. Very hot. This summer seems to be warmer than most. Plumbing and heating may be the last things on your mind right now, but in our mission to serve the homes of Brighton & Hove and Sussex, we are here to help you. Here are four plumbing tips for this summer.
Trips to the beach, BBQs with the family, scoring the last-minute winner during the football game at the park with your friends… What do all those lovely events have in common?
They’re all messy, and they all require showers, hand-washing, and a little-more-than-average use of the hose. In the summer months, the pools get filled, the hoses are on full blast, and sticky-hot days lead to longer, colder showers.
During this time, these issues can harm your plumbing. Here are some suggestions and little well-known warning signs to watch out for this summer.
1 – Inspect for Leaks
Most people are aware that checking the pipes in the winter will prevent freezing. But did you know that leaks can occur in the summer as well?
The transition between the winter months, rainy months, and then the dry season can cause a great deal of movement in your pipes. You should test your system for leaks and aim to catch leaks in their early stages before they cause any damage.
Water heaters work in a similar manner. It’s even better to drain and check to see if any maintenance needs to be done now, before the time when you need it most because your hot water isn’t being utilised as much in the warmer weather.
2 – Pressure and Humidity Checking
Water pressure issues can affect your entire home or business, particularly if you’re planning a holiday and won’t be using the toilets, showers, or sinks as frequently as usual.
Monitoring your pressure levels is important, and luckily, our helpful team is on hand to assist you with this.
Whilst monitoring the pressure, checking the humidity is also an important task, especially if you have a loft. The heat and humidity can make areas like the loft damp and stuffy, making it more favorable for molds and mildew to grow. Again, our friendly team is on hand to help with any queries you may have regarding these issues, but a dehumidifier may be a great place to start.
3 – Drain Maintenance
One of the biggest problems facing Brighton’s sewage systems today is fat, oil, and grease.
With Brighton being such a hot spot for tourists and travelers alike during the summer months, it’s no surprise that our local businesses and restaurants will be working hard to feed loads of hungry tourists.
Brighton’s sewage system is vast and elaborate, and depending on what area you live in, some are more prone to blockages and backups than others. We recently covered how to spot blockages here and when it may be appropriate to call one of our friendly team.
Each summer, it is worth checking the drains for any blockages or clogs. We recommend doing this annually, with it also being important to do before the winter months, when the cold conditions make these checks a little harder.
4 – Hoses, Sprinklers & Other Pipes
The summer heat means our hoses are getting more use than they do all year. Whether you’re cooling off the dog, filling up the kid’s swimming pool, or just ambushing Dad when he comes out for the BBQ food, checking for nicks and leaks in your hoses, sprinklers, and pipes is important, not just for your plants and grass, but for saving you a lot of money.
There is no denying the cost of living has gone up, with water and energy prices both being some of the hardest hit sectors. During the summer seasons of increased activity and lawnmowing in the garden, snagging or nipping these pipes can happen without realization. Checking these over will not only save you money but should water restrictions come into place, you can save yourself a whole lot of trouble.
Plumbing work over the summer months may be the last thing on your mind, but it doesn’t have to be. If you need any assistance, you can call one of our friendly team, who are there to offer you any advice and carry out any services, no matter how big or small, that you may need.