Pools and hoses and sprinklers, Oh My! When Spring and Summer come knocking on the door in the Poconos anything that provides you with cool flowing water becomes priority. It is estimated that when the heat rises water usage increases by almost 25 – 50% and we completely understand why. So, with that in mind Faulstick is here to give you some tips on how to save you money and save your plumbing from working extra hard during the Poconos heat.
Shut off the water heater.
Did you plan on vacationing? Well, if you are gone for long periods of time during your break make sure you turn down your water heater to save energy. Remember that the average life of a water heater can be any where from 8-11 years. And if you don’t know the age of your water heater, check the last four digits of the serial number on the tank. This will give you valuable information on the month and year it was manufactured.
Clean out Food in drains or disposal.
With spring and summer come bbq’s and outdoor get togethers but make sure that if you do deposit anything in the sink that you first have a disposal. If not make sure these foods do not end up down the pipes or you’ll be calling us for clogged pipes. Another way to help prevent clogged pipes when cleaning up after an event, run hot water through the drain to prevent grease buildup and hard water deposits. To really prevent any clogging in your Plumbing system, put in a ½ cup of baking soda, then by a ½ cup of vinegar and clear it out with some boiling water.
Laundry maintenance.
With summer comes loads of laundry, but before you start up that giant drum machine make sure you double check the machine and hoses as it could lead to a permanent disaster down the road that you may not be able to afford. It can also save you money from patching up that leaking water from the hose. We always think rubber hosing should be replaced at least every three years depending on usage.
Water saving, saves on bills.
Washing hands, taking more showers, and using the toilet can add up in the spring and summer time. To save you from spending some extra money make sure all your showerheads, faucets and toilets are up to par with how much you are using it. We also recommend using water saving products to help with that increased bill.
Sprinkler Usage
Sprinklers are not only for your dog(s) to waste. Water can be another thing. Make sure that you are watering your lawn at the right time during the day. As a rule of thumb the best time to water your lawn and plants are in the early morning and evening. Usually it’s hottest during the middle of the day and water can be lost due to evaporation.
Hose Usage
Speaking of hoses, a great way to save on bills is to use a hose gun or a device that limits the amount of water that comes out in a controlled spray. Another way to become energy efficient is using a hand pump pressure washer for your water needs so that you aren’t wasting as much water. We always recommend checking hoses for leaks and replacing where necessary!
Roots and Trees can destroy underground piping.
We know there are a lot of Trees in our neck of the woods. With any kind of tree growth, it can cause roots to make their way to your sewer lines in search of water. If you suspect any damage, make sure you give Faulstick a call and we can come give everything an inspection.
Our Spring & Summer Time Conclusion.
Warm weather always brings new challenges in the spring and summer to your Pocono plumbing systems. With these tips, you should be saving money and preventing major issues in no time. Just make sure if the problem becomes to large to call your Local Faulstick Plumbing we understand how important it is to fix the problem efficiently and in a professional manner.
