As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of potential plumbing issues that may arise during summer due to increased water usage, warmer temperatures, and more people in the house. While we understand summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s important to remain still cautious and watch out for any plumbing problems. After all, you don’t want any plumbing catastrophes to surface this season, possibly affecting your summer plans. Join your New Albany Plumbing & Drain experts today as we discuss the most common summer plumbing problems. 

1. OUTDOOR COMMON SUMMER PLUMBING PROBLEMS   

OUTDOOR FAUCETS, SPRINKLERS, & WATER HOSES – To start, let’s discuss typical issues with outdoor plumbing. Since summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, outdoor fixtures like faucets, sprinklers, and hoses tend to cause problems, especially if they have been in use for a while. During the hot summer months and with increased water usage, minor issues that go unnoticed or unresolved can result in the bursting of underground pipes or flooding in your yard or basement.  

To prevent this, make a regular habit of checking your hoses, sprinklers, fixtures, and faucets for visible damage or leaks. If you discover any issues, promptly replace or repair them to prevent larger plumbing problems from occurring later on. For significant issues, it’s best to leave the repairs to a licensed professional. 

SEWER LINE BACKUP – Now, let’s talk about sewage. During the summer season, sewer lines tend to get clogged due to increased usage and other factors. This can cause unpleasant odors, gurgling sounds, clogged drains or toilets, and sewage backup. So, if you think your sewage line may be experiencing issues, keep an eye out for these warning signs. It’s never a pleasant situation to deal with. If you’re experiencing issues with your sewage line or suspect that something is wrong, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  

2. INDOOR COMMON SUMMER PLUMBING PROBLEMS   

LEAKING FAUCET – Dealing with leaking faucets can be very frustrating. Unfortunately, people tend to ignore them for longer than necessary. However, allowing a leaky faucet to persist wastes water which leads to increased water usage. Additionally, it can result in bigger problems in the future. Therefore, it’s best to address a leaking faucet right away. Tightening the fixture or putting in a new washer can usually solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the entire faucet fixture.  

CLOGGED TOILET – During summer, the combination of temperature increase and higher humidity can result in rusting, corrosion, and mineral buildup on drain lines. As a result, toilets can become clogged, particularly in older plumbing systems. These types of clogs are challenging to resolve, so seeking the assistance of a professional is recommended. The build-up of pressure from severe clogs can even cause broken pipes. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that, during summer, children are often at home, which leads to increased water usage during the day. To avoid expensive repairs that arise from undetected leaks, it is advisable to proactively examine toilets for leakage or cracks every so often. 

LOW-WATER PRESSURE – During this season, low water pressure is a common issue that can occur due to regional water level changes or mineral buildup in pipes. So, if you’re experiencing low water pressure, it’s recommended to contact a professional plumber promptly. 

WATER HEATER – If your water is not heating up or the water is only lukewarm, your water heater could be the reason for your hot water problems, even in the summer. The high temperatures during this season can sometimes cause damage to your water heater, resulting in cracks or other issues. It’s also possible that sediment buildup is causing the problem with your water heater. To resolve this, the water heater may just need to be flushed. If you want us to diagnose the issue and get your hot water working again, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. 

WASHING MACHINE – Don’t forget to add your washing machine to the list of appliances to inspect during the summer months. This is because washing machines can experience issues like clogged pipes or hoses, corrosion, and broken seals during this time. These problems can cause wear and tear to the system and lead to undesirable outcomes. Keep an eye out for leaks, corrosion, or other types of damage when using your washing machine.   

DISHWASHER AND GARBAGE DISPOSAL – To avoid kitchen sink and garbage disposal problems during the busy summer season, make sure to only put drain-safe foods down the garbage disposal. Even though it can be tempting to drop things into the sink, it’s important to be cautious and avoid risking a clogged disposal. To avoid clogging the pipes and the dishwasher system, it’s best not to pour grease and starchy foods down the drain. Also, don’t overload the dishwasher as it can lead to particles getting stuck. By disposing of food properly and avoiding overloading the dishwasher, you can ensure everything works smoothly throughout the summer. 

At New Albany Plumbing & Drain, we make it our goal to consistently deliver top-notch customer service with every project we take on. Our enthusiasm lies in ensuring that our customers receive a superior experience and that we go above and beyond when it comes to the quality of our work. 

Our goal is to ensure that you have a stress-free summer. When it comes to your plumbing system, we can handle all of your needs and address any concerns you may have. Call New Albany Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!