The Ultimate Summer Plumbing Checklist

As summer approaches and COVID restrictions in Victoria are eased, the opportunity for entertaining our family & friends over the festive season is upon us all.

This is why we’ve decided to put together a simple Melbourne plumbing checklist to make sure your home plumbing systems are ready for visitors and Melbourne’s unpredictable weather - sizzling hot one day & pouring rain the next.

Clean Gutters and Downpipes

Melbourne’s known for its unpredictable weather, so being prepared for heavy rain in summer will leave you with more time to spend with friends and less time on the mop and squeegee.

Removing leaves and twigs from your roof, gutters and downpipes allows water to flow away freely, preventing flooding in your home and expensive repair bills.

Inspect and Clean Storm Water Drains

Having free flowing gutters and downpipes but blocked or damaged storm water drains will still leave you with flooding and expensive repair bills. So, having your drains inspected by an expert drainage plumber using a CCTV camera will identify any areas of concern within the stormwater system of your home.

Any obstructions of blockages can be cleared with a high-pressure water jet or any damaged pipe can be replaced before the heavy rain arrives, leaving you with peace of mind that your storm water system is up to the challenge.

Reduce Your Hot Water Temperature

By reducing the temperature on your hot water system, you’ll reduce the cost of your bills. There’s no point heating your hot water system to a hotter temperature than you need, this will only increase your utility bills and is a waste of energy.

Remember: Never reduce the water temperature on your storage hot water system to below 60 deg C, as this could become a breeding ground for bacteria like Legionella.

Water Saving Shower Head

Sower use in the home over the summer period increases dramatically. Showers in the morning followed by evening showers for relief from the hot and humid days are a standard affair. Your shower will become one of the most used plumbing fixtures in your home and its not uncommon for use to more than double.

To help reduce water use without reducing the number of showers, simply install a water saving shower head. This is a simple DIY task that any handy person can try. 

Check Your Sprinklers and Garden Taps

Sprinkler systems laying idle over winter are known to leak. Before summer hits, test your sprinkler system by running through the cycles on each station checking for leaking pipes, leaking solenoid valves and damaged sprinkler heads.

When sprinkler systems sit idle over winter, debris can build up in the system and cause solenoid valves to open and sprinkler heads to leak. Mowers damage sprinkler heads and movement in the ground can cause plastic pipes to crack. Sprinkler heads simply facing in the wrong direction are not doing your garden any favours and are a complete waste of water. A leaking sprinkler system will also give you a frighting water bill, so best to be prepared.

Get Your BBQ Ready

Backyard barbies are a definite over summer, having people over for a ‘Barby and beer’ is an Australian institution but there are a couple of things you need to check so you and your guests are safe:

• Check that the hose on you BBQ is free from leaks. This can be done by carrying out a soapy water test:
  • Place 10 or so drops of kitchen detergent in a spray bottle with water. Shake up the bottle to turn the water soapy.
  • Turn the knobs to the off position on the BBQ and turn the gas supply on
  • Spray the soapy solution over the hose, regulator and valve, if you smell any gas or see any bubbles, then you have a leak.
    • Immediately turn off the gas and contact your licensed gas plumber in Melbourne to repair

Cover Your Pool

A good quality pool cover will reduce water loss caused by evaporation and help maintain the water level in your pool. Covers keep out debris making it easier to keep your pool clean, and reduces the chemicals needed, which saves you time and money.

Installing a timer system on your pool filtration system and having it operate only at off-peak tariffs will save you money. Alternatively, if you have solar panels it may be best to have your filtration system running during the day when the sun is out, and the power is free.

Service Your Evaporative Cooler

There is nothing worse on a scorching hot day, than turning your cooler on and it blows out hot air, don’t leave it to chance. Organise a professional to service your evaporative cooler, after all, it has been in lock down over winter.

Trying to get your cooler repaired or serviced in the middle of summer could leave you days without cooling, so don’t risk it. For a minimal cost, you’ll have maximum peace of mind.

Essendon Plumbing Services is here to Help.

If and when you need an expert plumber in Melbourne to help you carry out your summer checklist, we’re ready when you need us.

Experience a Plumbing Company who goes above and beyond and contact Essendon Plumbing Services on 1300 231 976 or book online. We’re here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.