Summer Plumbing Prep You’ll Be Glad You Did

The Under-the-Radar Plumbing Checklist

Last summer, we shared the plumbing checklist of things to consider before heading for vacation. Things like:

• Turn the temperature down on your water heater.
• Clean and verify that your sump pump is operating okay.
• Inspect your irrigation or sprinkler system.
• Clear your drains and garbage disposal.
• Shut off the main water supply.

To get ready for this summer, lets cover the “under-the-radar” plumbing items that can save you from a headache, especially if you’re planning on a vacation or just want to be on top of your home maintenance game.

Automatic Shut-Off Valves, Automatic Peace of Mind 

An automatic shut-off valve is just what it sounds like: if it detects a leak or some other water-related issue, it shuts off your water supply. This will save you from returning from vacation to a burst pipe and a flooded house.

There are different ways they work. First, there are the moisture sensor systems. These use little pucks you place around your home, and if they sense water where it shouldn’t be, they can trigger a shut-off or send you an alert. Your other option is whole-house, flow-based systems, which monitor the water flow in your whole house, and if it’s running continuously for too long, the system will cut it off. 

Washing Machine Hoses, Too Much Pressure 

The sneaky thing about washing machine hoses is that they are under constant pressure, all the time. Even when your machine isn’t running. Over time, they can weaken and, eventually, burst. And a burst hose can unleash a shocking amount of water in a short amount of time.

Rubber hoses tend to wear out faster than stainless steel braided hoses due to their susceptibility to cracking and deteriorating. You should inspect your hoses and look for signs of wear, like cracks, bulges, blisters, rust, or leaks. 

Replacing them every 3-5 years is a super simple and relatively cheap way to avoid a potential water disaster. It’s not a question of if the hoses will fail, it’s a question of when. Changing your hoses before they fail is a no-brainer to prevent a future disaster.

Water Heater Leaks, We Have You Covered

Did you know you can get a moisture sensor system for your water heater that acts similarly to the whole-house automatic shut-off? FloodStop is one type of system which is designed to be super easy to install in both homes and businesses. It uses a motorized valve that automatically slams shut if it detects a leak and can be powered with AC, batteries, or both. For water heaters, you just pop the valve between the heater and the manual shut off, stick the sensor at the base, and if it senses any wetness, BAM! Water’s off, and it’ll even beep to let you know. It’s another layer of protection against water damage.

Sump Pump Check-Up Time

Did you catch our article last month about sump pumps? If you have a battery backup, now is a good time to check on it. Here’s a quick test – unplug your main sump pump, then carefully fill the pit with water. Your battery backup should kick on and start pumping that water out. If it doesn’t, or if it seems weak, it’s time for a new battery. You can even check the voltage with a multimeter to make sure it’s in good shape.

Another great backup for your sump pump is the Water Commander, a water-powered backup system that offers an advantage by not relying on electricity or batteries, ensuring continuous operation if there’s municipal water pressure available.  Water-powered sump pumps use the water pressure you already have in your house to create a powerful suction, to pump the water away from your home.

Sewer Line Inspections, Looking Below

Not the first thing that comes to mind, but just as important, especially for long-term maintenance. Getting a camera inspection of your sewer line can reveal potential problems like blockages, cracks, or root intrusion before they cause a messy backup. When purchasing a home, this is a smart thing to do along with the home inspection.

Typical signs of a sewer line problem include:
   ● Recurring clogs in multiple drains.
   ● Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains.
   ● Sewage backups in your home.
   ● Sinkholes or unusually lush patches of grass in your yard.
   ● Slow drainage throughout the house.

There you have it, a few extra plumbing bits to keep in mind, whether you’re prepping for a getaway or just want to be a proactive homeowner. A little attention to these areas can save you a lot of stress, and potentially a lot of money, down the road. If you want to make sure your home’s plumbing is in tip-top shape, why not let Blue Chip Plumbing take a look? You can contact us here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 and let us help you.