By late September, it’s already back-to-school season. Mornings start earlier, showers become more frequent, packing lunches becomes necessary, and the washing machine starts running.
More water consumption leads to new issues in the household’s plumbing system. A clogged drain or tiny leak that wasn’t noticeable over the summer can become a huge problem when you have to manage the morning rush. At Putman Plumbing, we see this every fall, and a back-to-school plumbing checklist can help make sure everything works properly before the busy season takes over.
These are just some of the items you can inspect before everything becomes really hectic.
Start With the Water Heater
If there are a lot of people showering one after another, the water heater does not get much time to recharge.
Note if your family has been running out of hot water sooner than before or if the temperature of the water has been fluctuating. The possibility is that you are consuming more hot water now than you used to in the summer months, but it is always worth checking.
Also, if you hear any strange sounds coming from the water heater, you should check it.
Check the Shower Drains
More showers can also mean more hair and soap going down the drain. Slow drains may become even slower after people start using them at the same time.
See how the drains in the shower and the bathtub perform. Is the water coming out right away, or does it start accumulating near your feet?
Address the problem with the drain before it becomes completely clogged. Regular checking of the drains and other fixtures allows you to notice the most common plumbing issues.
When you are in the bathroom, check under the sink and toilet for water presence. Water accumulation can easily be overlooked in the morning rush.
Give the Garbage Disposal a Quick Check
The kitchen can get busy as well since breakfast has to be hurried and lunches have to be packed.
Do not just put anything into the garbage disposal since certain food items can result in clogs or put too much strain on the disposal.
Run it for a moment and listen to see if there is something wrong with it, such as weird noises or difficulty breaking down the food.
This problem will be much easier to fix while you still have some time rather than when it fails in the middle of your busy morning routine.
Take a Look Around the Washing Machine
This means more use of the water lines from your washer. So take a moment to look around the washer.
Check the floor underneath it to see if there is any moisture, and check the water lines to see if they have any leaks.
It’s that simple. You do not need to take anything apart. A quick look after a load of laundry can tell you if something needs attention.
Make Sure the Toilets Are Working Properly
Now that everyone is back at school, there will be a lot of use of the toilets.
Check that all of the toilets work properly by flushing them and making sure that they refill properly after flushing. Listen to see if there is any water dripping after the tank is full.
Check the area under the toilet for any sign of moisture.
Know Where the Water Shutoff Is
This is one plumbing detail every household should know.
Be sure you know where your water shutoff valve is located. Also, it is handy to know where the individual shutoff valves are for each sink and toilet.
It is best to turn off the water as soon as possible if you get a burst pipe or an appliance begins to leak.
A Quick Check Can Go a Long Way
These are easy checks, but they can help to detect an issue that could ruin your start to a school day.
At Putman Plumbing, we help homeowners in Frederick, MD, and the surrounding areas, including Washington County, with everyday plumbing problems, from small leaks and slow drains to larger repairs. If something in your plumbing is not working the way it should, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.