Cool ways to avoid summer plumbing issues

Summertime should be easy, breezy—but plumbing problems come with the sunny season. Hot temperatures can bring turmoil to your household’s pipes, costing you both financially and mentally. Enjoy warmer months without the worries by keeping a proactive eye on these common summertime plumbing problems.

Leaky Faucets

High humidity and extreme heat aren’t just uncomfortable for you. Essential fixtures like toilets and faucets can bear the brunt of it, due to metal expansion and contraction. The resulting small leaks at the joints may not be apparent right away, but can quickly escalate to bigger—and pricier—issues if not dealt with swiftly.

As with most plumbing issues, stepping in when the problem is small is the best tactic to avoid big bills and big spills. A leaking faucet will clue you in with visible moisture around the bottom of the fixture. You might even hear water dripping in your walls. Changes in your water meter’s reading can also be revealing.

Toilet Clogs

Excess heat and humidity can also cause toilet clogs, particularly in older plumbing systems. Keep an eye on rusting, corrosion, or buildup of minerals on the drain lines. Catching these issues earlier is key, as these kinds of clogs are difficult to clear and can cause major blockages—and even broken pipes—due to the buildup of pressure.

With kids home from school in the summer, your water usage may also surge. The increase in flushing can prompt cracks and other plumbing issues from the extra pressure. Inspect your toilets more regularly during the months to save on pricey repairs or replacements.

Low Water Pressure

When the thermometer goes high, your water pressure can go low. The culprit may be differences in regional water levels or even clogs in your own pipes. If your water pressure seems lower than usual, it’s prudent to contact a plumber (like the pros at Wind River) so they can analyze the issue and fix it before it escalates.

Water Heater Issues

Ironically, your water heater can suffer from summertime temps. Intense heat can put stress on the tank and plumbing system, causing it to develop cracks. Heavy usage of hot water can also strain the system, leading it to fail unexpectedly.

A lack of insulation can also prompt problems. To prevent overheating, look for wearing down of the insulation and replace if needed.

Washing Machine Whammies

Your washing machine can also act up in the summer heat. Clogged hoses or pipes, faulty seals, and rusty hinges can be a hassle, as well as cause unneeded degradation to the machine.

Your best bet is to inspect for damage before summertime begins. Specific symptoms include leaks, weird noises, or extraneous vibrations. If you experience any of these signs, it could be wise to have a Wind River pro stop by for repair or potential replacement.

Outdoor Plumbing Pains

Exterior water systems—like hoses and sprinklers—can also give you grief in the warmer months. For example, summer heat (and with it, a boost in water usage) can break underground pipes, causing flooding in your basement or yard.

Make sure all hose connections are tightly secured so you don’t lose water from a faulty connection. And swap out any damaged pieces you notice right away, ensuring everything runs smoothly all summer long.

Sump Pump Slumps

Heavy rain and thunderstorms can lead to flooding, in both the basement and other areas of your home. Without a functioning sump pump, you could be stuck with a serious deluge.

To boost efficiency, clear away dirt or debris that’s accumulated around your sump pump. (Better yet, avoid letting it collect in the first place!) Keep tabs on the pump to be sure it functions correctly, and make sure your pump has sufficient power to withstand more frequent summer storms. A backup generator can be a lifesaver here, ensuring you’re not left stranded in a storm where the power goes out.

Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal Woes

Proper maintenance is essential to prevent plumbing issues with your dishwashers and garbage disposals, which tend to see more usage over the summer. This extra stress on the system can cause clogs, backups, or even more critical issues.

Overloaded dishwashers can create food and debris build up in the system. Take care to note the capacity of your machine, so you don’t feed it more than it can handle, and conduct routine maintenance through the summer.

Garbage disposals can also prove problematic in the summer. Run them with cold water, as hot water can make grease and other materials stick to blades. As with your dishwasher, don’t overload your disposal, so you don’t strain it.

Sewer Line S.O.S.

Also prey to increased summer usage: your sewer lines. Clogs, overflows, blockages, and backups can all be detrimental to your health—and your wallet.

To avoid these costly issues, be sure to dispose of FOG (fats, oils, and grease) properly. Stick to smaller, truly flushable items for your toilet drain. And spring for sewer line inspections throughout the season. Experts like the ones at Wind River can identify and remedy potential issues before they derail your plumbing (and your summer fun).