When the heat ramps up, your plumbing system takes on more pressure than expected. Summer often means more water usage—watering the lawn, filling the pool, or hosting guests. All of this can strain your pipes, fixtures, and drains. You might also experience issues like pipe expansion from the heat or backups due to higher demand. Keeping your plumbing in top shape during the summer begins with understanding how this season affects it differently. Preparing now can help you avoid unexpected repairs when you’d rather be enjoying the weather.

Backyard barbecues, cookouts, and fresh produce make summer fun, but they also lead to one of the most common summer plumbing problems: clogged garbage disposals. Watermelon rinds, corn husks, and grease from grilled foods can wreak havoc on your disposal system. These materials don’t break down easily and can cause blockages, leading to foul smells or kitchen flooding. You can avoid this by disposing of food scraps in the trash or compost bin, running cold water while using the disposal, and avoiding putting stringy, starchy, or greasy items down the drain.

Although summer often brings dry weather, sudden downpours or thunderstorms can overload your sewer lines. You might face a sewer backup if you notice slow drains or water backing up into your shower or sinks after a storm. This occurs when rainwater enters the sewer system faster than it can drain, causing wastewater to flow backward into your home. To prevent this, have your sewer lines professionally inspected and cleared of tree roots or debris before the rainy season begins. You can also install a backwater valve to stop wastewater from flowing back into your house during a surge.

Extra laundry is common in summer due to beach days, camping trips, and frequent clothing changes. But your washing machine hoses can only handle so much stress. The added strain can cause cracks or bursts if they’re old or worn. A simple hose failure can lead to gallons of water flooding your home within minutes. Make it a habit to inspect your hoses for signs of wear and replace them every 3 to 5 years. Also, spread out laundry loads to avoid overworking your machine and the plumbing that supports it.

Your outdoor water system—especially sprinklers and hose bibs—gets a serious workout in summer. Damage from winter freezes may not show until you start watering again, resulting in leaks that waste water and increase your bills. Sometimes, underground sprinkler pipes crack, or seals in faucets wear out, allowing slow leaks to go unnoticed for weeks. You can prevent these issues by inspecting your sprinklers for broken heads, checking your water pressure, and watching for soggy patches in the yard that might signal hidden leaks. Routine maintenance can save you from significant landscape damage and high utility costs.

Don’t let plumbing issues spoil your summer plans. Accutek Restoration, Inc. offers professional plumbing inspections and repair services to keep your system running smoothly, regardless of the season. With over 32 years of experience, we help you avoid emergencies through quality craftsmanship and proactive care. Whether fixing a leaking outdoor faucet or checking for hidden sewer line issues, our team is ready to support your home. Contact us today at (858) 673-8040 or complete our online form to schedule an inspection and keep your summer stress-free.