back to blog

6 Summer Plumbing Tips for Your Home

Summer is the perfect time for backyard barbecues, fun in the sun, and—unfortunately—plumbing problems. As the weather heats up, so do the chances of encountering issues with your home’s pipes and fixtures.  

But don’t let a leaky faucet or sweaty pipe ruin your summer fun. Follow these five essential summer plumbing tips to keep your home’s water flowing smoothly all season long. 

1. Watch Out for Sweaty Pipes 

During the hot summer months, you may notice condensation forming on your pipes, especially in warm areas like the attic or crawl space.  

This “sweating” occurs when the cold water inside the pipes meets the warm, humid air outside. While a little condensation is normal, excessive sweating can lead to water damage and mold growth.  

Consider installing foam insulation sleeves around the affected areas to combat sweaty pipes. This will help keep the cold water colder and reduce the temperature difference between the pipe and the surrounding air. As a bonus, insulated pipes can also help conserve energy—and save you money on your water heating bills. 

2. Inspect Hoses and Valves 

Summer is the perfect time to give your home’s plumbing a thorough once-over. Start by inspecting all the hoses and valves connected to your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, bulges, or leaks. If you spot any damage, replace the hose immediately to prevent a potential flood.  

While you’re at it, take a moment to locate your home’s main water shut-off valve. In case of a plumbing emergency, knowing where this valve is—and how to turn it off quickly—can save you from costly water damage. These simple plumbing tips and tricks can help you avoid major headaches down the road. 

3. Get Leaky Outdoor Faucets Fixed Right Away 

As you start spending more time outdoors, you’ll likely be using your garden hose and outdoor faucets more frequently. A leaky spigot not only wastes water but can also lead to a soggy yard and foundation issues. If you notice a drip, don’t ignore it.  

Most leaky outdoor faucets can be fixed by replacing a simple rubber washer. However, if the leak persists or you’re not comfortable tackling the repair yourself, call us at Three Way Plumbing. We have the tools and expertise to fix the problem quickly and efficiently. When it comes to summer plumbing, a little proactive maintenance can go a long way. 

4. Shut Off Your Water Heater Before Vacation 

Planning a summer getaway? Don’t forget to give your plumbing some TLC before you leave. One often overlooked plumbing tip for homeowners is to turn off your water heater before an extended vacation.  

Since you won’t be using hot water while you’re away, there’s no need to keep your water heater running. Shutting it off can save energy and prevent potential leaks or damage while you’re gone. Just remember to turn it back on and allow sufficient time for the water to heat up before you return home and hop in the shower. 

5. Inspect and Clean Sprinkler Heads 

Summer is the peak season for lawn and garden care, which means your sprinkler system will be working overtime. To ensure optimal performance and avoid wasting water, take a few minutes to inspect and clean your sprinkler heads. 

Over time, sprinkler heads can become clogged with dirt, debris, and mineral buildup, leading to uneven watering and dry spots on your lawn.  

Use a small wire brush or toothbrush to gently remove any blockages and check that each head is spraying in the proper direction. Adjusting or replacing a faulty sprinkler head is an easy summer plumbing fix that can keep your lawn looking lush and green. 

6. Inspect Your Drain Line For Damage 

While everything has been growing above ground all spring and summer, roots have been growing underground as well. Roots penetrate the drain line and slowly grow inside, eventually restricting the flow completely.  

The first sign your drain line is becoming restricted can be detected while your washing machine is in the spin cycle. If your drain line is restricted, the sheer volume of water being used in your spin cycle can cause a gurgling sound in the toilet, bathtub or shower at the lowest point in your home. However, it is important to check all bathrooms throughout the home. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t know there’s a problem until an unused toilet has overflowed and everything that was in the main sewer line is now on their floor. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Plumbing  

How can I save money on plumbing in summer? 

One of the best plumbing tips for summer is to conserve water wherever possible. Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening when evaporation is slower and consider collecting rainwater in a barrel to use for outdoor watering. Fixing leaky faucets and toilets promptly can also help save water—and money on your utility bills. 

What pipes are most likely to leak in the summer?  

During the summer months, pipes in hot areas like attics and crawl spaces are more prone to leaks due to increased condensation. Outdoor faucets and hoses are also at a higher risk of leaks from frequent use. Keep an eye out for any signs of moisture or water damage around these areas and address issues promptly. 

Final Thoughts 

Give these simple summer plumbing tips a try and you’ll be surprised how it makes your summer that much better.  

Inspecting all outdoor plumbing and doing a little preventative maintenance can help reduce your headaches so you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful weather.  

That said, if you do run into a plumbing problem that you can’t handle, contact our team at Three Way Plumbing today! We’re more than happy to help!