When it comes to the new school year, as a parent you have a lot to focus on. From school supplies to packing lunches, your schedule just got extremely busy. Not to mention the added stress that the current pandemic adds. Instead of, “Don’t forget your jacket.”, parents have to now add, “Don’t forget your mask”. And with that comes even more responsibility. So, the last thing you need between coordinating schedules and making sure all of your kid’s homework is complete is a plumbing fiasco.
That’s why we here at Brownie’s Septic & Plumbing are providing some back-to-school plumbing tips so you and your family don’t experience any hiccups during the change in routine. From shower backups to cold water sandwiches, and from humidity issues to drain clogs, here’s how you avoid plumbing problems in your household:
Stagger Shower Times
Morning routines can get crazy, as everyone rushes to prepare for their day. And back to back showers can put a lot of pressure on your home’s water heater. If you are consistently getting stuck taking cold showers, start staggering your shower schedules. If some family members shower at night, and others bathe in the morning, your water heater will have more time to recuperate. However, your family should not have to worry about calendaring out your shower times. If your water heater is underperforming, it may be the wrong size for your home, could need repairs, or may need replacement.
If your hot water heater is not properly sized, and your demand is not being adequately met, ask us about finding the proper hot water heater for your home. If your system is sized correctly, but there seems to be a dip in your hot water supply, your system may need flushing or repairs. If your unit has not been drained in a long time, there may be sediment buildup in the bottom of your tank, blocking your heating elements from doing their job. Contact your local plumbers for water heater repairs!
Use Your Bathroom Fan Religiously
If you are not using your bathroom fan while you bathe, you are making your home more susceptible to mold growth. When you shower, moisture begins to increase in your space, building up your walls. This can pose a potential problem, especially if the moisture is not being wicked away by a functioning fan. Check to ensure your fan is operating properly, so mold or mildew does not begin to compromise your home.
Schedule Drain Cleaning
When there is an increase in use there is a higher potential for drain clogs… especially when showers and tubs are used in succession. However, it is important that you practice the correct type of clog removal and drain care, or your plumbing could end up worse off.
Stay away from store-bought liquid drain cleaners, as these solutions carry high traces of toxic chemicals that can cause harm to both your health and your plumbing. These solutions, if used repetitively, can cause mucus membrane harm, respiratory irritation, and compromise your indoor air quality. Not to mention, your pipes will take a beating from these abrasive cleaners, causing increased deterioration with each use.
Before you let your drains get out of hand, schedule preventive drain cleaning so your systems are flowing smoothly.
Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature
If you have young children in your home, it is important that you adjust your water heater accordingly, especially if they are beginning to bathe themselves. Water heater temperatures should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as anything above that could scald.
For your plumbing maintenance and repairs, contact Brownie's Septic and Plumbing, LLC at (407) 890-0116! We are here to keep your family’s schedule on track!