Summer is just around the corner, bringing barbecues, outdoor fun, and sunny days with family and friends. There’s nothing better than kicking back and enjoying the warm weather. But a plumbing issue can quickly ruin a perfect summer day. Many common plumbing problems can arise during the hotter months, causing unexpected headaches.
Increased water usage, high temperatures, and sudden storms can stress your plumbing system, leading to unexpected issues. Ignoring these problems can result in costly repairs. Here’s a breakdown of the seven most common summer plumbing issues, how to fix them, and why they occur.
1. Clogged Drains:
Why This Happens
During summer, more people take showers after swimming, gardening, or outdoor activities, leading to excess dirt, sand, and debris entering the drains. Food scraps from barbecues and grease buildup in kitchen sinks can clog pipes.
How to Fix It
- Use drain covers to catch hair, dirt, and debris before they enter your pipes.
- Avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink; instead, dispose of it in a sealed container.
- Unclogged drain by flushing drains regularly with a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to prevent buildup.
- If clogs persist, use a plunger or drain snake to clear blockages.
2. Sprinkler System Leaks
Why This Happens
With frequent use in the summer, sprinkler systems can develop leaks due to broken heads, cracked pipes, or misaligned sprinkler heads. This not only wastes water but also increases utility bills.
Keep an eye out for leaking sprinklers. Since they’re meant to spray water, leaks can be tricky to spot. However, a sudden spike in your water bill could be a sign. Even a small leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year!
How to Fix It
- Inspect your sprinkler heads for damage and replace any broken ones.
- Check for wet puddles or areas, which may indicate an underground leak.
- Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure they water plants efficiently without wasting water.
- Schedule a professional plumber inspection if leaks persist.
3. Sewer Line Backups
Why This Happens
Summer storms can overload sewer systems, leading to backups in your home. Tree roots searching for moisture can also invade sewer lines, causing blockages.
- Heavy Rainfall – Summer storms can overwhelm sewer systems, allowing excess rainwater to seep through cracks and cause backups.
- Tree Root Growth – After spring rains, tree roots grow aggressively in search of moisture and nutrients, often invading sewer lines and causing blockages or cracks.
How to Fix It
- Install a backwater valve to prevent sewer water from backing up into your home.
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper to reduce the risk of blockages.
- Schedule a sewer line inspection and cleaning annually to clear out debris and tree roots.
- If you notice slow drains or foul odors, call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage.
4. Water Heater Stain & Issues
Why This Happens
Although water heaters are more commonly associated with winter problems, summer vacations, and house guests can put extra strain on them, leading to inadequate hot water supply or system failures.
How to Fix It
- Lower the temperature setting to prevent overheating and save energy.
- Drain and flush the water heater tank to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency.
- Insulate exposed pipes to maintain consistent water temperature.
- If the unit still struggles, have a professional inspect it for worn-out heating elements or other issues.
5. Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Why This Happens
Outdoor faucets and pipes often develop leaks after winter freezing and thawing, which may go unnoticed until summer use increases.
Your faucet could have a hidden leak that significantly increases your water bill. Even an outdoor faucet leak can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year!
How to Fix It
- Check outdoor faucets for leaks and replace worn-out washers or seals.
- Inspect exposed pipes for cracks or damage.
- Tighten connections or replace fittings if leaks persist.
- Consider installing a shut-off valve for outdoor plumbing to prevent future issues.
6. Clogged or Damaged Garbage Disposal
Why This Happens
Summer cookouts are a great way to enjoy the season, but all those leftovers can take a toll on your garbage disposal. Overloading it with food scraps or disposing of the wrong items can lead to clogs and even damage the unit.
How to Fix It
Be mindful of what you put down the disposal and avoid overloading it. Some common summer foods to keep out of your disposal include:
- Corn cobs
- Watermelon rinds and other hard fruits
- Celery and fibrous vegetables
- Potatoes and starchy foods (they expand in water and clog pipes)
- Grease and fats
If you use the disposal, always run cold water for about 15 seconds afterward to flush out any remaining food. This helps prevent buildup and unpleasant odors in your kitchen.
7. Clogged Toilet
Why This Happens
With kids home for summer break, your toilets will be working overtime. Increased use—especially with excessive toilet paper—raises the risk of clogs.
How to Fix It
Teach your kids how much toilet paper to use to prevent blockages. If a clog does happen, use a flange plunger, not a cup plunger. A flange plunger creates a better seal in the toilet bowl, making it easier to clear the clog.
If the clog won’t budge, don’t stress—call PlumbSmart’s professional plumber for expert help!
Final Thoughts
Ignoring summer plumbing problems can lead to costly repairs and wasted water. Regular maintenance and early detection can save you time, money, and stress. If you experience persistent plumbing issues, consider hiring a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem before it worsens. By staying proactive, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape and enjoy a worry-free summer!
