Water plays a huge role in our summer activities! Drinking water. Water balloons. Watermelon! And like water is important to our summer vacations, so is our plumbing! When you’re in the backyard with your family or friends, you want to be sure your plumbing is in great condition. Below is a list of 5 ways you can keep an eye on your plumbing during the hottest months of the year, so all of your summer plans can go off without a hitch.
Why is Summer Plumbing So Important?
Louisiana homes use a lot of water over the course of the year. Especially in the summer! And now with lots of time on our hands, homeowners are making stay-at-home fun with their water fixtures. If you’re playing in the sprinkler, or filling up the pool, keep a close eye on your faucets. Outdoor plumbing leaks can be extremely costly and are difficult to diagnose if you aren’t looking in the right place.
How to Find a Water Leak Outside
If you’ve been using your outdoor water fixtures and notice abnormally high water bills or a suspiciously muddy area in your yard, you may have a sneaky leak outside. The quickest way to confirm a leak is to check your water meter. If you don’t know where your water meter is located, call your local water company for assistance.
Water Meter Leak Indicator. Your water meter leak indicator is highly sensitive and will alert you if you have an outdoor leak. The leak indicator will likely look like a small red, white, or blue triangle. If the leak indicator suggests a leak, it could be anywhere between the main service line and the shutoff valve. A professional will be able to evaluate your plumbing and find the leak!
Irrigation Meter. If you have a swimming pool or irrigation system that gets water from your “house” meter it may be cost-effective to add an “irrigation” meter. This meter eliminates a sewer charge from the water provider and can amount to significant savings.
Five Ways to Protect Your Summer Plumbing
- Identify Neglected Plumbing. According to the Water Research Foundation, 12% of our water use is due to leaks! If you have a drip or a leak, don’t neglect your plumbing! Neglected plumbing can also refer to old, unattended pipes. A routine plumbing checkup will alert you to any potential problem areas on your property!
- Consider Nearby Trees. Keep an eye on your trees and foliage to make sure your roots aren’t getting out of control! Tree roots are drawn to sewer lines, especially during a rainy season, and can cause damage to your pipes. If you notice warning signs such as grey or brown toilet water, foul smells, or sunken areas in your yard.
- Mind Your Sprinklers and Faucets. Check your sprinklers! An inspection of your utilities at the beginning of the summer season can prevent major hassles down the road. If you discover any rust or damage, replace the sprinkler head or nozzle immediately. To avoid additional damage, keep an eye on your yard before you begin your maintenance routine. Your sprinklers and hoses can sometimes make their way into the middle of your yard, so use caution while mowing your lawn to avoid damaging the water vessels.
- Turn Your Water Off: For peace of mind when you leave your home for an extended period, remember to shut off the main water valve. If you don’t already know where to find your main water valve, conduct a quick search. Before your next summer road trip, remember to turn off the main water supply to your home, just in case a pipe bursts! There are several manufacturers that offer emergency cut off systems that turn the water off if a leak develops. They are available for the entire house or for one individual fixture such as the water heater or washing machine.
- Identify Sweaty Pipes. Condensation isn’t unusual to find on pipes and other plumbing utilities. These little droplets of water are caused by warm or room-temperature pipes reacting with cool water. If you notice constant sweaty pipes, it’s possible you have a steady stream of cool water constantly running, indicating a leak. This is very common with a running toilet. The condensation can be significant and appear as a leak from the fixture.
Call Bourgeois Plumbing for Your Summer Plumbing Needs!
Summertime is one of the most important times to have cool, running water. Whether you’re filling up your pool or running through the sprinklers, you need to know that your plumbing is in tip-top condition! For all your plumbing needs, call Al Bourgeois Plumbing! 504-521-6070
