That means more time outside, kids home from school, and lots of weekend barbecues across Woodbridge. But did you know that summer can actually be incredibly tough on your home’s plumbing system? With extra showers, running sprinklers, and busy kitchens, your pipes are working overtime.
At Ferrell Plumbing, we want you to enjoy your summer without stressing about unexpected water damage. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Here are six simple plumbing tips every Woodbridge, VA homeowner should know this season:
After a long winter and a rainy spring, your outdoor spigots and garden hoses might have taken some damage. Turn on your outside water and check for drips around the connections. Even a tiny leak can cause big problems and cost you money on your utility bills. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more of water per day! [1] A great way to test for hidden leaks is to check your water meter, wait two hours without using any water in the house, and check the meter again. If it moved, you have a leak.
Summer cookouts are the best, but your garbage disposal is not a trash can. Avoid tossing stringy or hard foods down the drain. Things like corn husks, watermelon rinds, fruit pits, and cooking grease can quickly cause a massive clog. Throw these items in the compost or the regular trash instead. When you do use your disposal, make sure to run cold water for about 15 seconds before and after to help flush the food particles completely down the pipes.
With pool days, trips to the beach, and sweaty outdoor activities, you are probably doing a lot more laundry right now. This puts extra strain on your washing machine. Take a few minutes to check the rubber hoses behind your machine. If you see any bulges, cracks, or dampness, call a plumber to replace them before they burst and flood your laundry room. We highly recommend upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses, which are much more durable and less likely to burst.
During the hot and humid Virginia summer months, you really don't need your water heater set to maximum heat. Turning the temperature down can save you money on your monthly energy bill and reduce the daily wear-and-tear on the tank. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy and prevent accidental scalding. [2]
Summer in Northern Virginia often brings heavy afternoon thunderstorms and sudden downpours. The last thing you want is a flooded basement because your sump pump failed when you needed it most. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should turn on automatically, remove the water, and shut itself off. If it doesn't, it's time to call in the professionals for a repair.
No matter how careful you are, emergencies happen. Whether it's a backed-up sewer line during a family party or a burst pipe in the middle of the night, you need a team you can trust. Ferrell Plumbing is proud to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to serve our Woodbridge community.
Need help with your plumbing this summer? Give Ferrell Plumbing a call at (703) 898-5500 today!
Sources:
[1] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Fix a Leak Week." EPA.gov.
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. "DIY Energy Savings Projects: Lower Water Heating Temperature." Energy.gov.
If your outdoor spigot was damaged by freezing temperatures over the winter, it may leak inside your home when you turn it on. Look for signs of water damage, dampness, or a musty smell on the interior wall directly behind the spigot. If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure when using the hose, shut it off immediately and call a plumber to prevent further structural damage.
Yes, it is very common! During hot, humid Virginia summers, cold water running through your pipes causes condensation to form on the outside, making them look like they are "sweating." While the condensation itself is not a plumbing leak, heavy sweating can drip and cause water damage to your floors or drywall over time. You can easily fix this by wrapping exposed pipes in your basement or crawlspace with simple foam pipe insulation.
Standard rubber washing machine hoses should be replaced every 3 to 5 years, even if they do not show visible signs of wear and tear. However, we highly recommend upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses. They are far more resistant to bursting and can last much longer, giving you peace of mind during those heavy summer laundry days.