Summer is the season of cookouts, pool parties and family gatherings - but if you're expecting guests in your home, you should take a few extra precautions to ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly.

Check plumbing fixtures

Before guests arrive, inspect your showers, faucets and toilets to make sure everything is working properly. Check your toilet for any signs of a problem, like running water, strange noises or an improperly working handle. If you need to fix something or call a plumber for help, it's better to do so without guests there. Another important fixture to check is the shower in your guest bathroom. This shower is probably used less regularly, which means you are less likely to notice any issues unless you are looking for them.

Prepare your water heater

With more hot showers and laundry, guests can put your water heater into overdrive. If you have a hybrid water heater, put it on high output mode to accommodate more guests. If you live in an older home, you have to be especially careful about overworking your water heater. One simple solution is to plan some showers in the morning and some in the evenings.

Use the garbage disposal properly

After a big barbecue or cookout, a garbage disposal may seem like an easy way to get rid of food waste - but the disposal is not a trashcan. Greasy foods, meats, pasta, cornhusks and potato peels can cause your garbage disposal to back up. During summer parties, make sure to have many trashcans available for guests, and when you do use your disposal, run large amounts of cold water to make it easier for it to grind food.

By taking these few extra steps, you can enjoy your time with family and friends without worrying about plumbing problems. For more tips or plumbing help, call David Gray Plumbing at (904) 467-0784 or visit us at davidgrayplumbing.com.