Essential Summer Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Summer is a great time to tackle plumbing maintenance and prevent costly repairs down the road. With increased water usage during the warmer months, your plumbing system works harder—so it’s smart to give it a seasonal checkup.
Check for leaks: Start by checking for leaks around faucets, under sinks, and near outdoor spigots. Even small drips can waste gallons of water and increase your bill. Don’t forget to inspect hose connections and sprinklers as well. Remember, kitchen drains are notorious for leaks since, let’s be honest, many of us jamb a garbage can down there and that continuously bumps the drain system. Watch out for that!
Fix continuously running toilets. A toilet that won’t stop running can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. Usually, the culprit is a worn flapper or faulty fill valve—both are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Water heater maintenance: Inspect your water heater for signs of rust, leaks, or unusual noises. If it hasn’t been flushed in the past year, now’s the time—this helps remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens its lifespan. Also, make sure the pressure relief valve is functioning. If any issues are observed, call in the professionals for repairs.
Drainage: Check your drains for slow flow or gurgling sounds, which could signal a clog forming. Use a drain snake or natural enzyme cleaner to keep pipes clear—avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can damage plumbing over time.
Sump pump: If you have a sump pump, test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it activates and drains properly. Summer storms can cause unexpected basement flooding if your pump isn’t working.
Irrigation system (if applicable): Check that your irrigation system is functioning correctly, heads are all functioning and there is no leaks on or in the ground. Uneven patches of green grass in your lawn can be a clue.
A little attention now can save major headaches later. Regular summer plumbing maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and efficiently all year long.
Blessings!
