Summer is the season for family get-togethers, backyard barbecues, and hosting out-of-town guests. While you’re busy cleaning the guest room and stocking up on snacks, don’t overlook one of the most important parts of your home—your plumbing system.
We know that extra foot traffic means extra strain on your pipes, fixtures, and drains. A little preparation can go a long way in avoiding embarrassing clogs, slow drains, or unexpected leaks when company’s in town. Here are seven expert plumbing tips to help you get your home guest-ready before summer entertaining kicks off.
1. Test for Leaks and Drips
Check all sinks, faucets, showerheads, and outdoor spigots for visible leaks or constant dripping. Not only can leaks waste water and increase your utility bills, but they can also signal larger issues that need attention.
Tip: A leaky faucet may only need a new washer or cartridge—an easy fix when handled early.
2. Clear Slow Drains
No guest wants to deal with a backed-up sink or slow-draining shower. If you’ve noticed water pooling or gurgling noises, it’s time to take action.
What to do: Use a safe, non-corrosive drain cleaner or try plunging. For stubborn blockages, call Swift Plumbing & Heating for professional drain cleaning before guests arrive.
3. Flush Your Water Heater
Hosting guests means more hot water usage for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Sediment buildup in your water heater can reduce efficiency and limit hot water availability.
Solution: Have your water heater flushed and inspected to ensure it’s ready to meet increased demand. This also extends the life of the unit.
4. Inspect Toilets for Silent Leaks
Toilets that “phantom flush” or run constantly waste gallons of water and can indicate a problem with the flapper or fill valve.
Pro tip: Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs repair.
5. Check Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
If you’re planning to use a hose for outdoor entertaining, sprinklers, or washing down patios, don’t forget to inspect hose bibs and outdoor faucets for cracks or leaks—especially if they weren’t used over winter.
Reminder: Make sure hoses are securely attached and that the fixtures shut off properly.
6. Remind Guests About What Not to Flush
If you’re hosting guests unfamiliar with your plumbing system, it’s smart to leave a friendly reminder in the bathroom: only toilet paper should be flushed. Wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, and hygiene products can cause major clogs.
Bonus: Keep a small wastebasket near the toilet for convenience.
7. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
If it’s been a while since your last professional plumbing check-up, now’s the perfect time to schedule one. A licensed plumber can spot issues you might miss and ensure your entire system is in top shape before the house fills up.
At Swift Plumbing & Heating, we offer comprehensive inspections to identify potential problems and recommend cost-effective solutions to keep your plumbing running smoothly all summer long.
Contact Swift Plumbing & Heating today for all your plumbing needs. Pride & Professionalism!
