IS YOUR HOME READY FOR SUMMER BREAK?

Philadelphia schools let out June 4. Time for cookouts, fun times with friends and sleeping in. But having the kids — and their friends — home all summer can put extra strain on your home’s systems. Summer break is a bad time to have a plumbing malfunction, especially since catastrophes can interfere with vacation plans, visitors and more.

Your neighbors at Stallion Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning can help when things go wrong, but we also want to educate homeowners on things they can do to keep disaster from striking. Here are some DIY tips for keeping your kitchen disposal and plumbing in good working order. Be sure to share them with the kids!

DISPOSAL CARE

Your kitchen sink disposal is a wonderful convenience. Or, it can be a nuisance if not cared for properly. Here are some tips on the proper care and feeding of disposals. First off, don’t put non-food items in your disposal, and don’t put grease or oil down the disposal, either.

When using your disposal, be sure to flush it with plenty of cold water for 15 seconds before and after use. You can keep it clean and smelling fresh by grinding two quarters of a lemon and flushing the disposal with clean, hot water.

If the kids run amok and your disposal gets jammed, you can try to unjam it yourself. Just turn off power to the unit, then turn the motor shaft using a hex-head Allen wrench, first counterclockwise, then clockwise, to dislodge the item.

PROTECT YOUR PIPES

Talk to your kids before summer break about what should and should not go down the drain. Sanitary wipes, paper towels, dental floss, feminine products and hair should all go in the trash, not down the toilet.

Before summer break, take some time to proactively clear your home’s drains with a bent coat hanger or brush. Next, slowly pour hot saltwater down each drain to make sure they’re flowing freely. Only use commercial drain cleaners as a last resort, as those can be hard on your pipes.

Now is also a great time to invest in a high-quality, professional plunger to take care of this summer’s clogs yourself.By following these tips, you can prevent problems that might need a professional to fix. But, if you encounter a problem you can’t fix yourself, the plumbing experts at Stallion are here to help. Just contact Stallion online or call (215) 461-3635