Smart Summer Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Summer is a season of increased water use—from sprinkler systems to pool refills to extra loads of laundry. While most people think of plumbing problems as wintertime concerns, summer brings its own set of issues. The good news? With a little awareness and prevention, you can avoid most seasonal setbacks.

Here are several essential summer plumbing tips to help you protect your home’s plumbing and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Manage Increased Outdoor Water Use

Whether you’re watering the lawn or filling up kiddie pools, outdoor faucets get a lot of use in summer. Check hose connections for leaks, replace worn washers, and consider adding a shut-off valve for better control. Also, keep an eye on your sprinkler system to make sure it’s functioning properly and not wasting water.

Address Sewer Smells Promptly

High temperatures can cause unpleasant sewer odors to emerge indoors, often from infrequently used sinks or floor drains. To stop smells at the source, pour water down the drain to refill the P-trap. Adding a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar, can also help break down buildup.

Use Caution with Food Waste

Summer BBQs are fun, but they can be tough on kitchen plumbing. Avoid sending corn cobs, melon rinds, or greasy leftovers down the garbage disposal. These materials can clog pipes and jam the blades. Compost or trash the tougher scraps, and always run cold water when using the disposal.

Check Your Washing Machine Hoses

Summer often means more laundry, from beach towels to sweaty clothes. Take a moment to inspect your washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replacing old rubber hoses with braided stainless-steel ones is a simple upgrade that can prevent major water damage.

Vacation-Ready Plumbing Tips

Planning to be away for a few days or weeks? Turn off the water supply to your washing machine, and consider shutting off the main water valve to your house. This simple step can prevent a major leak from flooding your home while you’re gone.

By paying attention to seasonal stress points in your plumbing system, you can avoid many common issues that arise during the summer. Preventing plumbing issues before they happen is always cheaper—and easier—than dealing with a crisis later. When in doubt, reach out to residential plumbing services for peace of mind and professional help.