The Homeowner's Guide to Outdoor Plumbing: Maintenance and Tips

Dealing with outside plumbing can be a challenge, especially if you have a large area to maintain. You need to worry about everything from clogged outdoor drains to septic tanks, sewer lines, and more.

Always keep a vigilant eye on your outdoor plumbing maintenance because inclement weather can cause damage to your system without your knowledge. Check out the following outdoor plumbing tips to help you keep your system in tip-top shape.

Understanding Outdoor Plumbing Systems

Your home's outdoor plumbing extends well beyond the visible hose spigot. Key components include:

• Outdoor faucets/spigots
• Irrigation systems and sprinkler lines
• Gutter and downspout drainage
• Sump pump discharge lines
• Septic system components
• Outdoor showers and kitchen setups
• Basement or exterior drainage pipes

Since many of these systems are exposed to the elements, routine inspections and maintenance are essential. For example, you should check your outside faucet for leaks every time you hook up a garden hose.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Here are a few simple tips to keep your outdoor plumbing, gutters, and drains working at peak performance all year long.

Spring Outside Plumbing Maintenance

• Inspect outdoor faucets for cracks or slow drips. You can save hundreds of gallons of water if you replace an outdoor faucet that's leaking.
• Reconnect hoses and check for water pressure issues or spray from damaged bibs.
• Turn on and test your sprinkler system, checking for broken heads, leaks, or misaligned spray patterns.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts. Clearing clogged downspouts can prevent clogs and roof runoff. You can use a high-powered hose to make this easier.
• Schedule septic service if it’s been more than three years since your last septic tank pumping.

Check out our complete list of spring plumbing tips.

Summer Outside Plumbing Maintenance

• Monitor your yard for pooling water, especially after storms. This could signal underground pipe leaks or a failing drain field. Not sure? Find out if it’s a plumbing issue or something natural.
• Trim tree roots away from your septic tank. These can damage underground lines and clog the system.
• Review your irrigation schedule to ensure it matches your landscaping needs and local watering regulations.

Check out our complete list of summer plumbing tips.

Fall Outside Plumbing Maintenance

• Disconnect and drain hoses before the first frost to avoid cracks in the hose bib.
• Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain any remaining water.
• Blow out your sprinkler system to prevent frozen lines.
• Inspect your downspouts, drain pipes, and guttering to ensure water is flowing away from the foundation.

Check out our complete list of fall plumbing tips.

Winter Outside Plumbing Maintenance

• Insulate outdoor spigots and any exposed outdoor plumbing to prevent freezing.
• Avoid using plumbing outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
• Double-check that sprinkler backflow devices and valves are shut off and drained.
• Watch for slow drainage indoors, or sewage smells outside. These could signal septic pump problems. 

Check out our complete list of winter plumbing tips.

Common Outdoor Plumbing Problems and How to Spot Them

Don’t ignore signs like soggy spots in the lawn or fluctuating water pressure. They often mean a bigger issue is brewing underground. Here are other red flags that mean you may need an outdoor plumbing system repair:

• Leaking outdoor faucet: A constant drip can freeze in winter, expand and crack pipes, or cause foundational erosion.
• Clogged outdoor drain or downspout: If water is pooling near your foundation or your gutters are overflowing during light rain, your drain system may be clogged with leaves or debris. 
• Backed-up septic system: Wet patches or foul smells near your drain field are some of the main signs it's time to call your septic pumping service.
• Tree root intrusion: Roots seeking moisture often break into underground pipes, causing wet patches in your yard or system backups. You can prevent this by keeping roots away from your septic tank.
• Sprinkler system failure: Dry patches or gushing sprinkler heads could mean pipe leaks or failed valves. Roto-Rooter offers sprinkler system repairs.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

You may be wondering — do you need a plumber to replace an outdoor spigot? What about installing an outdoor shower?

While some minor outdoor plumbing repairs are DIY-friendly, others require professional tools, know-how, and permits. Call a licensed plumber if:

• You need to replace an outdoor faucet but don’t know how to shut off the supply line.
• You suspect broken or collapsed pipes underground and suspect you'll need to call 811.
• You see constant wet spots in your yard or near your home’s foundation.
• You want to install an outdoor shower or kitchen sink safely and to code.
• You’re dealing with repeated septic backups or odors.

If you're unsure where to start, Roto-Rooter’s experienced plumbers can inspect your system, identify vulnerabilities, and keep everything running smoothly, season after season. Call the professionals today to schedule your seasonal maintenance appointment.

FAQs

How can I keep my outdoor plumbing from freezing?

Before temperatures drop, disconnect hoses, drain outdoor water lines, and cover your outdoor spigots with insulating faucet covers.

Do plumbers fix outdoor plumbing issues?

Yes! Professional plumbers handle everything from replacing outdoor faucets to resolving septic problems.

How often should I schedule plumbing maintenance?

Inspect your outdoor plumbing once a season. We also recommend a professional inspection once or twice a year, depending on your home's history.