When the temperatures rise and summer settles in, most of us are busy enjoying the sunshine, BBQs, and days by the lake. But, as any homeowner knows, summer comes with its own set of plumbing challenges. From outdoor faucets to overworked sump pumps, a lot can go wrong when the heat hits.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve got some simple tips to help you avoid common summer plumbing issues and keep everything running smoothly. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your plumbing is ready to handle the heat.
TACKLE LEAKY OUTDOOR FAUCETS
Summer means more time outdoors, which often includes watering the garden, filling up the kiddie pool, and washing the car. The last thing you want is a leaky outdoor faucet wasting water and raising your bill. If you notice your faucet dripping, now’s the time to fix it.
Leaky faucets can be an easy fix for most homeowners, especially if it’s just a worn-out washer. But if you’re not sure how to handle it or if the leak is more serious, it’s a good idea to give us a call. We can make sure your outdoor faucets are in good shape before you need them the most.
CLEAR HOUSEHOLD DRAINS CLOGGED WITH SUMMER FUN
Summer’s here, and with it comes a whole lot of fun — but it can also mean extra mess. Whether it’s sunscreen, sand, or a bit too much food down the drain, summer often leads to clogged sinks, tubs, and toilets. Grease from grilling and food scraps can build up in your kitchen sink, while soap scum and hair are common culprits in bathrooms.
A few tips to prevent clogs:
- Use drain catchers in your sinks and tubs to catch food scraps, hair, and other debris.
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain — instead, let it cool and toss it in the trash.
- If you do experience a clog, a plunger or drain cleaner can help with small blockages, but if it’s a bigger issue, don’t hesitate to give us a shout. We can clear things up fast and prevent bigger problems down the road.
WATCH OUT FOR OVERWORKED SUMP PUMPS
Sump pumps work hard year-round to keep your basement dry, but summer rainstorms can put them to the test. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to check that your sump pump is in top condition. Summer storms can bring heavy rains that overwhelm your pump, especially if it’s old or hasn’t been maintained in a while.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check the pump to make sure it’s clear of debris.
- Test it by pouring a little water into the sump pit — the pump should turn on and drain the water quickly.
- If your pump is struggling or you’re unsure if it’s up to the job, let us know. We can inspect it and help with any repairs or upgrades you might need to avoid a flooded basement.
PREVENT SEWER LINE BACKUPS DURING SUMMER STORMS
Summer storms can bring heavy rains, and with all that water, sometimes your sewer lines can get overwhelmed. A backup can cause serious problems, including unpleasant odors and potential flooding in your basement or yard. Sewer line backups can be caused by tree roots, debris, or simply too much water for the system to handle.
To help prevent sewer backups:
- Make sure the drains and gutters around your home are clear of debris.
- If you’ve had sewer issues in the past, consider scheduling a professional inspection to check for tree roots or any blockages in your lines.
- Be mindful of what you flush — avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, and definitely stay away from wipes, even if they say “flushable.”
If you do notice slow drainage or strange odors, it’s a good idea to call a professional. We can perform a sewer line inspection and clear up any issues before they become bigger headaches.
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS WORKING OVERTIME
With the hot, dry weather that often hits during the summer, keeping your lawn and garden healthy can feel like a full-time job. That’s where your sprinkler system comes in — a well-maintained system is your best friend in keeping your yard lush and green. But if it’s not working properly, you might end up with dry patches or, even worse, flooding your yard. Neither is ideal when you’re trying to keep your home looking its best.
Regular sprinkler maintenance is key. Whether it’s something as simple as adjusting the timer or unclogging a nozzle, a little attention can go a long way in making sure your sprinklers are doing their job efficiently. If you’re noticing low water pressure or broken pipes, it’s a good idea to call in a pro to get it fixed before your lawn suffers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With a little prep and maintenance, you can avoid most of the common summer plumbing problems and keep your home running smoothly. If you’re dealing with any plumbing issues or want to get ahead of potential problems, Battle River Plumbing & Heating is always here to help. Whether it’s checking your sump pump, fixing leaky faucets, or inspecting your water heater, we’ve got you covered.
