At Swift Plumbing & Heating, we know summer brings more than sunshine and backyard barbecues—it can also bring unexpected plumbing problems, like drain and sewer issues. With kids home from school, guests visiting, and water usage on the rise, your plumbing system works overtime this time of year. Without proper preparation, this extra demand can lead to inconvenient—and costly—plumbing emergencies.
Let’s take a look at the most common summer plumbing issues and how you can prevent them from ruining your season.
1. Increased Water Usage
Between garden watering, running the sprinkler, filling up kiddie pools, and frequent showers, summer water use skyrockets for most households. This added strain can push your plumbing to its limits.
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect fixtures for leaks. A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste gallons of water daily. Fix these minor issues before they become major headaches.
- Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures. Consider installing low-flow showerheads and toilets to reduce overall demand.
- Stagger appliance use. Don’t run the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time. Spread out your water-intensive tasks to avoid overwhelming your pipes.
2. Sewer Line Backups
Warmer temperatures and summer storms can create the perfect storm—literally—for sewer line issues. Heavy rainwater can seep into cracks in older sewer lines, leading to backups. If your home has large trees, their roots may also intrude into pipes.
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule a sewer inspection. If you’ve experienced backups in the past, a professional video inspection can catch problems early.
- Avoid flushing non-flushable items. Remind family and guests to only flush toilet paper—wipes, hygiene products, and paper towels belong in the trash.
- Be cautious with landscaping. Avoid planting trees or shrubs near your sewer line to minimize root intrusion.
3. Clogged Garbage Disposals
With cookouts and fresh summer produce, your kitchen garbage disposal sees a lot more action in the warmer months. Unfortunately, fibrous foods like corn husks, melon rinds, and greasy leftovers can cause serious clogs.
Prevention Tips:
- Watch what goes down the drain. Avoid putting stringy vegetables, bones, and grease in your disposal.
- Run cold water. Always run a strong flow of cold water before, during, and after using your disposal to help wash away debris.
- Clean it regularly. Toss in some ice cubes and a bit of lemon peel to keep blades clean and your kitchen smelling fresh.
4. Outdoor Plumbing Wear & Tear
From garden hoses to sprinkler systems, your outdoor plumbing gets a workout in summer. Hoses left in the sun can crack, fittings may loosen, and sprinkler heads can break—leading to wasted water and even water damage.
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect hoses and spigots. Check for signs of wear or leaks at the start of the season and replace anything damaged.
- Turn off water when not in use. Avoid pressure buildup by turning off spigots after each use.
- Have your irrigation system serviced. Annual maintenance helps prevent broken sprinkler heads and inefficient watering.
Stay Ahead of Summer Surprises
The best way to keep your plumbing in peak condition is with preventive care. We offer seasonal inspections and maintenance to help you avoid surprises when temperatures rise.
If you’re experiencing plumbing issues, give our expert team a call for emergency plumbing services. Visit our page of current promotions to see other ways we can help you.
Contact Swift Plumbing & Heating today for… Pride & Professionalism!
