1. Clogged Drains from Increased Usage

Summer means more showers, more dishes from barbecues, and more laundry from outdoor activities. This increased usage can quickly lead to clogged drains throughout your home.

Prevention Tips:

• Install drain screens in showers and tubs to catch hair and debris
• Avoid putting grease, food scraps, or coffee grounds down kitchen drains
• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal
• Schedule professional drain cleaning before peak summer usage

2. Sewer Line Backups

Tree roots grow more aggressively in summer, seeking water sources and potentially invading your sewer lines. Combined with increased water usage, this can lead to serious backups.

Prevention Tips:

• Have your sewer line inspected with video camera technology
• Remove trees and shrubs planted too close to sewer lines
• Use root-killing products as recommended by professionals
• Consider trenchless sewer line replacement if roots are a recurring problem

3. Sprinkler System Problems

Lawn sprinkler systems that have been dormant all winter often develop issues when reactivated for summer use. Broken heads, clogged nozzles, and underground leaks are common problems.

Prevention Tips:

• Perform a spring startup inspection of all sprinkler components
• Check for broken or misaligned sprinkler heads
• Test water pressure and adjust as needed
• Look for signs of underground leaks like soggy spots or unusually green grass

4. Washing Machine Overload

Summer activities mean more laundry loads, putting extra strain on your washing machine's water supply lines and drain system. Old hoses are particularly vulnerable to bursting under increased pressure.

Prevention Tips:

• Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided stainless steel ones
• Check hose connections for leaks or corrosion
• Don't overload the machine - it strains both the appliance and plumbing
• Turn off water supply valves when going on vacation

5. Garbage Disposal Clogs

Summer barbecues and fresh produce preparation can overwhelm your garbage disposal. Corn husks, fruit pits, and fibrous vegetables are common culprits for clogs.

Prevention Tips:

• Never put fibrous foods like corn husks or celery down the disposal
• Avoid hard items like fruit pits, bones, or shells
• Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal
• Clean the disposal monthly with ice cubes and rock salt

6. Toilet Troubles

With more people home during summer and kids using bathrooms more frequently, toilets face increased usage that can lead to clogs, running water, and other issues.

Prevention Tips:

• Teach children what can and cannot be flushed
• Keep a plunger handy in each bathroom
• Check toilet components for wear and replace as needed
• Address running toilets immediately to prevent water waste

7. Low Water Pressure

Increased summer water usage throughout your neighborhood can lead to reduced water pressure. Additionally, mineral buildup in fixtures becomes more noticeable with frequent use.

Prevention Tips:

• Clean showerheads and faucet aerators regularly
• Check for leaks that might be reducing overall pressure
• Consider a pressure-boosting system if low pressure is chronic
• Schedule professional inspection of your main water line

Essential Summer Plumbing Prevention Tips