7 Summer Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Summer is a great time of year, but it can also be the season for plumbing issues. Most homeowners use more water for gardening or swimming. There’s also the risk of intense summer storms that can flood your basement. Luckily, a little maintenance can help keep your outdoor hoses, showers, and other plumbing working great. To keep your system in top shape, use these summer plumbing tips.

Why Summer Plumbing Maintenance Matters

Summer activities put extra pressure on your plumbing system. Here are some summer plumbing basics to be aware of:

• There’s often higher water use from showers, lawn care, and laundry.
• More guests or kids home from school means more toilet and drain use.
• Summer storms can stress sump pumps, gutters, and sewer lines.
• Sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets are more active and more likely to leak.
• Vacations may leave your home vulnerable to undetected leaks.

Just like with spring or winter plumbing, a proactive approach keeps your plumbing in peak condition.

1. Check Your Outdoor Plumbing for Leaks or Damage

There’s a lot that goes into maintaining your outdoor plumbing. Outdoor faucets, hoses, and pipes can crack or leak, especially if you have a hard winter or have been using them a lot. Do a walkaround to inspect your outdoor plumbing:

• Hose bibs for dripping
• Faucet handles and hose connections for leaks
• Exposed pipes for corrosion or cracks
• Outdoor showers or utility sinks for slow drains

2. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts Before Summer Storms Hit

Gutters clogged with spring debris can’t handle heavy summer rain. Water that backs up may leak into your roofline, walls, or foundation, causing structural damage and mold growth. Here’s a quick primer on how to clean your gutters:

• Scoop out debris like leaves and twigs using gloved hands or a gutter scoop.
• Flush gutters with a garden hose to check for blockages and confirm proper drainage.
• Clear downspouts by spraying water into them. If clogged, use a plumber’s snake or a high-pressure nozzle.
• Inspect for damage like sagging, holes, or rust, and make any necessary repairs.

3. Inspect and Prep Your Sprinkler System

Sprinklers are a summer staple, but they’re also a major source of leaks and water waste. Look for problems with your sprinkler plumbing, such as:

• Broken heads or nozzles
• Uneven spray patterns
• Water pooling in your yard
• Soaked or eroded soil near sprinkler lines

Roto-Rooter can repair sprinkler systems or help with underground installation.

4. Check for Sewer Line Problems After Heavy Rains

Summer downpours can flood your sewer system, especially if roots or debris are already causing a partial blockage. It’s important to be able to tell if water in the yard is a plumbing issue or natural runoff. If it’s a plumbing problem, you may notice:

• Slow drains in multiple fixtures
• Gurgling sounds
• Sewage smells in your basement or yard

5. Reduce Water Waste With Smart Summer Habits

Conserving water helps your wallet and the environment. Easy plumbing tips for summer include:

• Water your lawn early in the morning
• Use mulch to retain moisture around plants
• Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
• Take shorter showers
• Install low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators

6. Prep for Vacation With a Plumbing Checklist

Before heading out of town, prevent water damage while you’re away. These extra steps can save you from coming home to a soaked floor or ruined drywall.

• Shut off your main water valve
• Drain any hoses and turn off outdoor faucets
• Check for dripping faucets or running toilets
• Have a trusted neighbor check in if you're away for more than a few days

7. Test and Maintain Your Sump Pump Before Summer Storms

If your area gets hit by seasonal storms, your sump pump needs to be ready. In addition to following basic sump pump maintenance tips, conduct a test to make sure it’s functioning properly:

• Pour water into the sump pit to trigger the float
• Listen for the pump motor to kick on
• Make sure water drains away quickly and completely

This is also one of our end-of-summer plumbing tips to consider as the season changes over to fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hot weather affect plumbing?

Yes. Heat can cause pipe expansion, root growth into sewer lines, and increased wear on outdoor plumbing systems. Summer heat also worsens evaporation and water loss in outdoor areas.

Are there more plumbing repairs needed in the summer?

Often, yes. With higher water usage, summer storms, and aging sprinkler systems, many homes see an uptick in repairs like clogged drains, leaky spigots, or sewer line issues.

Can sprinkler system leaks increase water bills?

Absolutely. A single leaky sprinkler head or underground pipe can waste hundreds of gallons per day.

What plumbing should I check before going on vacation?

Inspect your toilets, faucets, hose bibs, and sump pump. Shut off the main water valve if you’ll be gone more than a few days, and turn off the water heater if applicable.

Keep Plumbing Problems Out of Your Summer Plans

Summer’s no time to deal with surprise plumbing disasters. A few preventive plumbing checks in summer can make all the difference, especially for outdoor systems, sump pumps, and sprinklers.

Trust us. It’s better to find and address a small issue now than it will be to conduct a major repair later. Don’t let plumbing woes ruin your summer fun. Roto-Rooter is here to help with fast, professional service all summer long. Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online for any summer plumbing issue you encounter.