Summer outdoor fun, vacations, and making memories means you might encounter unexpected summer plumbing problems. Increased water use for watering the garden, filling up kiddie pools, and having friends and family over can put a real workout on your home’s pipes and fixtures. 

Take some simple steps now to avoid those annoying and potentially costly summer plumbing problems. Let’s look at some of the most common issues that pop up when the temperature rises and how you can handle them.   

Pesky Clogs and Backups

When the summer fun ramps up, so does the potential for unwanted clogs and messy backups in your plumbing. From busy kitchens to frequently used bathrooms, here’s what to watch out for.

Clogged Garbage Disposals

Summer often means more cooking and cleaning from get-togethers and backyard cookouts. All that extra food prep can lead to more waste going down the drain, sometimes causing clogged garbage disposals. 

Foods like corn husks, watermelon rinds, greasy leftovers, bones, oils, coffee grounds, and stringy vegetables can easily jam up your disposal and cause frustrating plumbing issues.

To keep your disposal running smoothly, be careful about what you put in it. 

• Avoid sending fibrous foods, bones, and greasy stuff down the drain. 
• Always run cold water while the disposal is on to help food move through. 
• Cut food into smaller pieces to prevent clogs. 

Call a professional plumber to clear the blockage safely if you end up with a jam.

Sewer Line Backups

Heavy rainstorms in the summer can sometimes overwhelm city sewer systems, increasing the risk of sewer line backups into your home. 

Plus, thirsty tree roots grow more actively in hot weather and can sneak into and damage underground pipes as they search for water.  Even driving over the ground where pipes are buried can sometimes cause damage and clogs.

Signs of a sewer problem include slow drains, gurgling sounds from toilets, or bad smells. To help prevent these nasty backups:

• Schedule regular sewer line inspections. A plumber can spot small issues before they become big messes. 
• Installing a backwater valve can also stop sewage from backing up into your house during heavy rains. 
• Be smart about where you plant trees; keeping them away from sewer lines reduces the risk of root problems. 

If you notice any warning signs, contact a plumber right away. Professionals can use special tools like hydro-jetting to clear blockages and remove tree roots.

Clogged Toilets

With kids home from school and visitors coming over, your toilets probably get a lot more use in the summer that can lead to more clogs. Using too much toilet paper or flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed are common culprits. 

A plunger can handle most simple clogs but some tougher ones might need a plumber’s help.

A simple way to avoid this is to ensure everyone is on the same page about what should be flushed. 

Leaks and Water Woes

Summer’s increased water usage can often reveal hidden leaks or cause new ones to form. Here are some common leak-related issues during the warmer months:

Washing Machine Problems

With extra outdoor activities means more laundry that can be hard on your washing machine hoses, especially if they are old or worn out. 

A hose bursting can cause serious water damage in a hurry. Off-balance machines can strain hoses. Clogs can occur if pockets are not emptied. Signs include leaks, odd noises, or excessive vibrations.

Check your washing machine hoses regularly for any bulges, cracks, or leaks, and replace them if you see any signs of wear. Durable stainless steel braided hoses are a good choice as they are less likely to burst than standard rubber ones. 

Experts suggest replacing washing machine hoses every 3 to 5 years, even if they look okay. Don’t overload your washing machine, as this can strain the hoses and other parts. Pay attention while your washing machine is running so you can catch any problems early. If the hoses look worn or cracked, contact a plumber to replace them.

Leaking Faucets

You might find yourself washing your hands or using faucets more often in the summer due to activities like gardening or cleaning. This can cause the parts inside your faucets, like gaskets, to wear out and start leaking. The heat and humidity can also cause metal parts to expand and contract, leading to small leaks.

You can spot a leaky faucet by looking for wetness around the base. Sometimes, you might even hear dripping sounds inside your walls. Checking your water meter for changes when no water is being used is another way to find hidden leaks. 

Slow Drains in Showers and Tubs

After a hot summer day spent outdoors, a cool shower feels great. But washing away sand, sunscreen, and dirt can build up in your drains and cause them to empty slowly or even become completely clogged.

Rinsing off at an outdoor shower or public pool before coming inside can help reduce the amount of debris that goes down your drains. Use drain covers to catch hair and other things. 

Leaky Dishwashers

Summer often means more meals at home and more dishes, which means your dishwasher is working harder. Your dishwasher relies on a good seal to keep water from leaking out. Overloading the dishwasher can sometimes stop the door from sealing tightly, letting water leak out. 

Too many dishes can also mess with the float system that controls the water level, leading to overflows. Using the wrong kind of soap or having a clogged filter can also cause leaks.

To prevent dishwasher leaks, don’t put too many dishes in at once. Make sure you’re using the correct type of dishwasher detergent. Regular cleaning of the filter can also help prevent draining issues and leaks.

Leaks Around Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibbs)

Hose bibbs, or outdoor faucets, are super useful in the summer for watering your garden or washing the car. If you didn’t properly prepare your outdoor faucets for winter by draining them, any water left inside could freeze, expand, and cause damage. This can lead to leaks around the faucet itself or cracks in the assembly.

Check your outdoor faucets for any drips or cracks as the weather warms up. If you find any issues, it’s important to get them repaired to avoid wasted water and potential damage.

Sprinkler System Leaks

Keeping your lawn green in the summer often means relying on your sprinkler system. Sprinkler heads can get damaged easily by lawnmowers or other yard equipment. This damage can cause sprinklers to spray too much water or spray in the wrong direction, which isn’t good for your plants or your water bill.

Underground sprinkler lines can also get cut or damaged during gardening or other yard work. Just like hose bibbs, if your sprinkler lines weren’t properly drained for winter, freezing water could cause them to burst. Soggy spots in your yard or puddles when your sprinklers are on might mean you have a damaged line. 

Inspect your sprinkler system before you start using it regularly. Replace any damaged parts right away. If you suspect a damaged underground line, a plumber can help locate and repair it.

Other Hot Weather Plumbing Headaches

Beyond clogs and leaks, the summer season can bring a few other specific plumbing challenges that are good to be aware of.

Flooded Basements

Summer thunderstorms can bring a lot of rain, and if your sump pump isn’t working correctly, your basement could flood.

To make sure your sump pump is ready for summer storms, keep the area around it clear of dirt and debris. 

Ensure the pump has enough power to handle heavy rainfall and check it regularly to make sure it’s working as it should.

Insufficient Hot Water

If you have a traditional tank water heater, it might struggle to keep up with the increased summer demand. Tankless water heaters are efficient, but they also have limits on how much hot water they can provide at once.

You might need to look into getting a larger tank or a more powerful tankless unit to meet your household’s needs. Intense summer heat can even stress the tank and plumbing system, potentially leading to cracks. Ensure your water heater has proper insulation, especially if it’s in a hot area.

High Water Bills

When your water bill suddenly goes up in the summer, it could be due to a few things: more people in the house, increased watering outside, or unfortunately, leaks. 

While you can’t always control how much water guests use, you can try to use less water in other ways around the house.

It’s also really important to actively look for leaks, even small ones, as they can waste a lot of water and increase your bill. 

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating and can be caused by different things, including clogs in your pipes or even changes in the local water supply. 

If you notice your water pressure isn’t as strong as usual, it’s a good idea to contact a plumber to figure out what’s causing it and fix the issue before it gets worse.

Water Heater Problems from Heat

Beyond just running out of hot water, the intense summer heat itself can cause problems for your water heater. The heat can put stress on the tank and plumbing system, potentially leading to cracks. 

A lack of proper insulation on your water heater can also contribute to it overheating. Check for wear and tear on the insulation and replace it if needed can help.

Mold Growth

Warm and humid summer weather can create perfect conditions for mold to grow in your home. Leaks are a common reason for mold to appear. 

If you spot mold, it’s important to deal with it right away. Fixing any leaks is a key step to stopping mold from coming back.

Staying Ahead of Summer Plumbing Problems

Summer should be a time for relaxing and having fun, not dealing with plumbing emergencies. By being proactive and taking some preventive steps, you can greatly reduce the chances of clogs, leaks, and backups. 

Simple things like being mindful of what goes down your drains, checking for leaks, and performing regular maintenance can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.

Many homeowners find that performing some kind of preventative maintenance in the summer helps avoid costly repairs. This can be as simple as visually inspecting for leaks or cleaning drains regularly.

Want to avoid high emergency plumbing costs this summer and beyond? Read our article, “The Importance of Timely Plumbing Repairs: Avoiding High Emergency Plumbing Costs in Ohio,” for help.

However, some issues require the skill and tools of a professional plumber. If you do run into a plumbing issue this summer, don’t delay in getting help. Addressing problems quickly can prevent them from causing more significant damage.

How Plumbing 911 Can Help 

For help with your summer plumbing problems, reach out to Plumbing 911, a reputable plumbing firm made up of professionals. We offer full service for both residential and commercial properties, including everyday maintenance and emergency needs. Our professionals are skilled in fixing clogged drains and toilets, leaky and damaged faucets and pipes, low water pressure, running toilets, sump pumps, and water heaters.

For a free inspection in your area, call us toll-free at 1-866-720-0911, schedule an appointment today, or send us an email. We serve Medina, Stark, Portage, Summit, Cuyahoga, Lake, Sandusky, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Seneca, and Geauga counties. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency service. 

Remember, a little prevention and quick action can go a long way in keeping your summer plumbing problems at bay.