2024 July InMaricopa Magazine

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weeks and surrounded with a thick layer of mulch to hold in moisture and cool the soil. Young plants will need some daytime shade at this time of year. Should we change how we water our plants during monsoon? The answer is yes and no. To reduce evaporation, it may be best to water at night or very early in the morning. At least once during the summer, plants should be watered for an extra-long time to flush the salts present in our soil, fertilizers and water down below the root zone. Leaves of trees and other plants will benefit from being sprayed down following a dust storm. Should a scheduled irrigation be eliminated or delayed in significant rain? Probably not. An inch of rain will percolate only 3 or 4 inches down through the soil — too shallow to reach the lower root zone of most plants other than turf. Regular, even watering of fruit trees like pomegranates or citrus will prevent fruit splitting later. So, with proper preparation and care, monsoon gardening can be successful in Maricopa.

garden in the desert southwest? Preparations for the monsoon should have been made before July. The canopies of fruit trees and any top-heavy desert trees like mesquites should be thinned to allow wind passage. Tall plants should be staked, and trees should be watered deeply in anticipation of the high winds and haboobs the monsoon brings. If these things were not done, it would be wise to do them quickly. Many plants will thrive during the monsoon season. Summer flowers like vincas, zinnias, gazanias, rain lilies and even roses welcome the humidity that arrives with the monsoon. Hollyhocks, sunflowers and Mexican sunflowers may be planted from seed in July. And, surprisingly, a second crop of heat-loving vegetables can also be planted at this time of year. Amaranth, all types of beans, corn, squash, pumpkins and okra may be started from seed. Outdoor planting is best done in the evening during monsoon season to allow the plants to settle in when it’s a bit cooler. New plants should be watered daily for the first two

in your yard like sinkholes, puddles or lush patches of grass near the sewer line, it could indicate a leak or breakage. The same goes for tree root Intrusions. Tree roots seek moisture, especially in the desert, so the roots might invade the sewer pipes looking for water which causes damage over time. If you have trees near your sewer lines and experience recurring issues, replacement may be the best solution.

Ask the expert PRESENTED BY PENGUIN AIR, PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL H AVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT what happens after you flush the toilet or run the faucet? Most of the time, we don’t pay much attention to our plumbing and sewer systems. Well, not until there is a major problem, that is! We asked the Pros at Penguin about some common plumbing and sewers issues and why they matter to you and our community. Sewer systems are a labyrinth of infrastructure that sustains our modern lives. From aging pipes to environmental pressures, a host of challenges bubble beneath the surface, impacting communities across Arizona. We wanted to know — what are the signs it’s time to update your sewer system? Q I have a drain in my bathtub that never seems to flow as fast as the others in my home. Could that be a sign of a bigger problem? Slow drainage can be a sign of a bigger sewage problem, or it could just be a problem with that specific drain. Usually, we see folks waiting until it is too late. If you experience frequent clogs in multiple drains or sewage backups in your home, it could signal underlying issues with your sewer system. But it could be more subtle than that — slow draining sinks, showers or tubs often indicate a partial blockage or deterioration in the sewer pipes. Q How long does a sewer system last? How frequently should they be replaced? Sewer systems have a long lifespan, typically ranging from 30 to 100 years depending on the materials used. For example, cast iron pipes can develop rust and scale buildup on the interior walls, leading to reduced water flow, clogs and eventually structural weaknesses like cracks and leaks. Additionally, cast iron pipes are prone to gradual decay due to exposure to acidic substances commonly found in wastewater. If your system is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, replacement may be necessary to avoid major issues. Q Where are cast iron pipes usually found? Homes built before 1970 are most likely

Haboob job How to garden your way through a monsoon BY RITA BRICKER

to have cast iron pipes. Generally, cast iron pipes were expected to have a lifespan of around 50 to 75 years. However, in some cases, the lifespan of cast iron pipes may be shorter due to corrosion. In Arizona, our water is extremely hard, meaning there are a lot of minerals like calcium and magnesium that can gradually deposit on the interior walls of the pipes, leading to scale buildup and speeding up corrosion and the timeframe for replacement. Q Well, my house was built in the ‘80s, so I should be good, right? Actually, a product called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene pipes, better known as ABS pipes, gained popularity during the 1970s and 1980s as an alternative to traditional materials like cast iron. However, ABS has its own issues. ABS pipes are vulnerable to degradation when exposed to certain chemicals and high temperatures. In Phoenix, ground temperatures during the summer can be exceptionally high. These elevated temperatures can potentially impact materials like ABS pipes if they are not adequately insulated or protected. Deterioration over time causes cracks, leaks and potentially costly damage. Again, regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the integrity of ABS plumbing systems, but if there is a problem they will need to be replaced. Q Are there other signs my sewer system might be in trouble? Yes. There are several signs that something is wrong with your sewer system. Lingering smells emanating from drains or yard can indicate leaks or blockages in the sewer line. If you see visible damage such as a cracked pipe — or damage to the foundation of your home or the landscape of your yard — that certainly is a sign of a problem. If you notice sudden changes

RY, HOT JUNE IS BEHIND US, and we can look forward to cooler, moister air with monsoon season — or so we hope.

A monsoon develops when the prevailing wind shifts from the west to the south, pulling up moisture from the tropical Pacific through Mexico into Arizona. In good years, this moisture starts to really crank up in the first week of July. So, how does that affect how we

It’s like getting two homes for one payment ®

Q How can I determine if my sewer system needs replacement? That is something I would leave up to the expertise of a plumber. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, I recommend getting a thorough inspection. They can use advanced techniques like video camera inspection to assess the condition of your sewer lines and recommend the appropriate course of action. It might not be time to replace, you may just need to flush the pipes and make sure they’re clear of debris. Q What are the benefits of replacing my sewer system? Replacing your sewer system offers several benefits, including improved functionality, reduced risk of backups and leaks, enhanced property value and long-term cost savings by avoiding costly repairs and emergency situations.

Visit Anderson Farms today Latitude | Plan 3580 Next Gen® - The home within a home®

Walk-In Closet

Covered Patio

Owner’s Suite 15' 5" x 13' 8"

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2,105 sq ft 4 beds • 3 baths 2-bay garage

Walk-In Closet

Great Room 13'-8” x 16' 9"

Dining 8' x 14' 5"

Bedroom Next Gen 12' 2" x 12' 3"

Main home 1,464 sq ft Next Gen® suite 641 sq ft

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Revolution | Plan 4083

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Next Gen Living 12' 8" x 15' 6"

Bedroom 2 10'-1” x 10'-7”

Anderson Farms 36555 W Maddaloni Ave. Maricopa, AZ 85138

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Bath 2

2-Car Garage

Porch

520-231-4176 Lennar.com

Bedroom 3 10'-1” x 11'-1”

602-613-0509 PenguinAir.com

Please see your New Home Consultant and/or home purchase agreement for actual features designated as an Everything’s Included feature. Features, amenities, floorplans, elevations and designs vary and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Items shown are artist’s renderings and may contain options that are not standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Square footage is estimated; actual square footage will differ. Garage/bay sizes may vary from home to home and may not accommodate all vehicles. Price subject to change without notice. Prices do not include closing costs and other fees to be paid by buyer (including a builder fee as described in the purchase agreement) and are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2024 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everything’s Included, Everything’s Included logo, Next Gen and Next Gen logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. No offer to sell or lease may be made or to purchase or lease may be accepted prior to the issuance of an Arizona Public Report. A Public Report is available on the State Real Estate Department website www.azre.gov. Seller’s broker: Lennar Sales Corp. Constructed by Lennar Arizona Construction, Inc., ROC 228129B. Lennar Arizona LLC d/b/a Lennar Homes, ROC 232731B. Lennar Communities Development, LLC, ROC 137295KA.