Every season brings a different set of challenges to your plumbing system, and spring is no exception! As we transition into the warmer months of the year, plumbing issues like blocked drains can emerge that need to be sorted out as soon as practical.
Here are 5 common spring plumbing questions answered.
5 Common Spring Plumbing Questions
1. When Should I Turn the Water Supply On?
Canberra winters can be freezing. But as the frosts go away in spring, it is time to plant your tomatoes and turn the water supply onto your evaporative air conditioning system.
Evaporative cooling is becoming increasingly popular with Canberra households these days because of its energy efficiency, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness. When you turn on the water supply, you need to check if the water is wetting the entire cooler pad, as too little water will cause dry spots and reduce the cooler's efficiency.
Regular maintenance will improve the life and efficiency of your plumbing system. So, it is recommended that you have your cooler serviced twice a year, particularly before autumn and midway through summer.
Give us a call now and have a chat if it has been a while since your system was serviced.
2. How Do I Minimise Water Usage in the Garden?
As we head into the warmer months, chances are you will be using your irrigation system more. But the problem is it is easy to overestimate the amount of water your garden or lawn actually requires.
Depending on the efficiency of your irrigation system or sprinkler, you may only need to run it for a very short time for your garden and lawn to get its required amount of water. Performing a water meter test will settle exactly the right amount of water you need from your irrigation system.
The test requires reading your water meter and then running your irrigation system for five minutes using a timer. There is a bit of math involved, so it may be worth consulting with a plumber to perform the test for you.
That way, you know how much water you are consuming, and at the same time, it helps you save water and money.
3. Should I Turn Off My Gas Pilot Lights Over the Summer?
If you have a gas heater with a pilot light, you may be wondering whether you should turn the light off during the hotter months and save a bit of money. There are a few things to consider before making a decision.
First, you should find out how easy it is to relight the pilot light once you need to heat it again. If you do not know how to relight your pilot light and your heater is located in an area with insects or that is difficult to access, you may be faced with having to call on a plumber next winter to restart the appliance.
4. How Can I Ensure Maximum Safety When Using My BBQ Grill?
Warmer months mean it's time to light the BBQ! But there are a few things to check, especially if you own a gas grill.
Bugs and other insects can climb underneath or inside your grill, causing an obstruction in the path of the fuel, which is the number one cause of a gas grill fire. Gas leaks are another all too common cause of the fire.
As such, it is good practice to regularly test for leaks. A simple test is to make up a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water, then apply it to the hoses and connections. Simply turn on the gas with the grill lid open. If the soap forms large bubbles on the pipes or around the connections, you know you have a problem and should immediately turn off your control values and the fuel tank and disconnect everything.
If your gas grill needs maintenance, however, it is best to call a professional plumber to replace hoses and improve connections. Fire safety should never be taken lightly.
5. How Often Should I Clean the Gutters to Protect from Storm Damage?
With Australia's tendency for short-lived but powerful summer storms, damage to homes becomes an all-too-common occurrence. Water damage from blocked gutters can result in costly damage to your home, especially if water enters the structure of your house, causing wooden beams to rot and damage internal plastering.
Ignoring such situations is never a good idea and can even result in costly structural problems. Ideally, you should be cleaning your gutters roughly 2 to 4 times a year, depending on the number and type of trees around your property. And even if there are no trees near or around your home, you still need to clear your gutters. Regular gutter cleaning extends the life of your gutters and prevents them from rusting and leaking prematurely.
At Level Plumbing Canberra, we are happy to help get your home prepared for the warmer months ahead. Contact us today at 6188 6088 if you want a checkup of your home to protect against these plumbing risks.
