With summer coming to a close and the start of school approaching, it’s also time to take action to avoid potential problems with your plumbing, sewer, and drain systems. Circle B Mechanical wants you to get your home in shape for warm weather, while saving energy and money, too.
All In The Wash
Summer activities means more laundry. Keeping the clothes clean can put your washing machine under a lot of stress. It’s important to perform regular checks to prevent additional stress from taking an unnecessary toll on your washer and dryer.
- Check your washing machine hoses for leaks or cracks and be sure to remove dryer lint regularly. If you have a vacuum cleaner with hose attachments, use it to clean out the link container and inside of the dryer door where the rubber seal is.
- Keep your machine at least four inches from the wall to prevent hose kinking and damage. If you already have a kinked hose behind your washing machine, it should be replaced.
- You shouldn’t leave your home while the washer is running. Washing machine hoses should be replaced approximately every three years, but no one ever replaces them until something goes wrong. Either replace the hoses regularly, or make sure you are home to stop a potential disaster.
Ventilation Ductwork
Your ductwork may sweat and create condensate in Oklahoma’s humid weather. Leaks in the seams can also cause condensation. If you have an attic air conditioning unit installation, be sure there is no water in the drain pan or any evidence of leaking. If there are signs of water, call us immediately!
Garbage Disposal Tips
Be careful what you put down your kitchen disposal after your cookout. Most garbage disposals are not equipped to handle cornhusks, celery, banana peels and other fibrous or “stringy” foods. Some other items to stay away from are fats or cooking oils because they form clots in the pipes.
- Run cold water at full pressure for 15 seconds before and after you put anything down the disposal to flush it through.
- Never put instant stuffing, potato mixes or similar “just-add-water” foods down the drain—they’ll create an instant clog when you add water.
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater to save money and energy when you go on vacation, even if it’s just for a few days.
Tree Roots and Sewer Lines
Tree roots will actually tend to grow towards a leaking or cracked sewer line. Shifting ground and growing roots can be a real problem for your sewer lines. Sewer line backups are common this time of year due to summer rainwater entering sewer pipes. New tree root growth from the spring can also cause sewer backup issues. We can inspect your sewer line pipes to let you know if you are susceptible to a sewer line backup problem or if damage has already occurred. One of our experienced plumbing technicians will be able to help you determine the best treatment option for proper drain cleaning.
A well maintained home brings peace to its owners. Circle B Mechanical has the experience and dependability to assist you in any commercial or residential mechanical, plumbing, or heating and air-conditioning service in Tulsa. Call one of our technicians today!