Summer is a great time of year. Especially, for any homeowners, we host friends and family for parties or small gatherings. Plus, during the summer we like to explore and vacation. Or head to the beach or the local pool to beat the heat. As a result of these great activities, summer presents a few unique potential plumbing issues.

1. Clogged Toilets

It is a fact of life, clogged toilets happen! Plus, during the summer, hosting parties means more wear and tear on those toilets. Additionally, like many other things around the home, preventative maintenance remains the best course of action in order to avoid a clog. However, if a clog occurs:

• Remove excess water from the bowl.
• Plunge, at least a few times.
• Snake or auger the toilet.

Unfortunately, if the clog remains, then a DIY approach will not work. A professional plumber contains the expertise and experience to unclog serious issues.

2. Clogged Garbage Disposal

Similar to clogged toilets, during the summer, as we host our loved ones, we also feed them. And although summer means some great fruits and veggies, these foods don't vibe with garbage disposals!

For example, we love watermelon and corn on the cob, along with BBQ and other grilling options. However, rinds and corn cobs should not go down the disposal. Therefore, avoid putting the fibrous parts of summer fruits and vegetables down the drain. Also, avoid putting any bones down the drain that may result from grilling chicken wings or anything similar.

Ultimately, understanding what to avoid helps prevent clogged drains. However, clogs still occur, when means fixing the garbage disposal and drain. To take a DIY approach, first and foremost, check the garbage disposal and listen for a running motor. If the motor works and the clog persists, then additional steps are needed, such as using a plunger.

To use the plunger effectively:

1. partially fill the sink with water.
2. work the plunger to break up the clog.
3. remove any waste that comes into the sink.

For more help, contact Snappy and we'll come out and fix your clogged drain.

3. Broken Washing Machine

The summer offers plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the warm weather and head outside for a bit. From morning runs or bike rides to afternoon swims, our families go through plenty of clothes in the summer!

As a result, during the summer, plumbing issues occur as the increased usages takes a toll on the washing machine. From keeping an eye (and ear) on the machine to allowing for some rest, there a few ways to help prevent issues.

"Be sure to stay around the house while doing laundry, so you can catch any problems fast and shut the machine off before they get worse (be sure to call a professional appliance repair technician with any needed repairs or concerns). Some older models may simply need a "break", so washing your laundry one load at a time instead of doing several loads at once can also help. Finally, move your washing machine out from the wall a little, as this will help keep the water hose from kinking.

4. Sewer Line Backups

Summer storms saturate us with rain water. In particular, the end of summer coincides with hurricane season and the chance of massive amounts of rain hit the Atlanta area. As a result of a large storm, drains become overrun or even blocked.

In fact, a blocked sewer might be the most unwelcome plumbing mishap and possibly a very costly repair. Therefore, if your home (or neighborhood) remains susceptible blocked sewers, then consider some preventative measures, such as:

"Servicing your sewers before the summer comes can help you avoid the worst of the problems, while installing a drain plug in each drain can prevent water from backing up during storms. Actually, installing a drain plug is simple and cheap!"

5. Basement Flooding

For certain homes, summer storms mean basement flooding. If your basement floods following a severe storm. Consider working with a professional to install a sump pump.

A sump pump is something you likely do not appreciate until it's too late. After all, sump pumps protect your basement (along with the valuables and memories) from potential water damage and prevents mold and mildew.

As a home ages, it develops cracks around the foundation and basement windows. These cracks and crevices enable water to enter the basement from:

• unsealed basement windows.
• unsealed hatchways.
• cracks in the floor.
• cracks in the foundation.

As a result, homeowners should properly seal these portions of your house. Proper sealing helps prevent water intrusion, particularly in the basement. Additionally, for homes with an older sump pump (or an unreliable or faulty), you aren't much more protected than homes without a sump pump.

Snappy makes homes happy! This means offering 24/7 services (everyday, including summer and holidays), so feel free to contact us anytime if any summer plumbing issues arise and we will make sure your water flows smoothly all year long!