10 tips for summer plumbing preparation | Pro-Drain (2024)

Anyone who wants to prevent a plumbing emergency during the summer should take the time to perform a plumbing system inspection or hire a plumber if something doesn’t feel right. After all, the cooler seasons put substantial stress on your plumbing systems.

To be able to comfortably kick back and relax during summer, anticipate plumbing projects, and properly maintain your water and air conditioning appliances. In this article, we discuss the 10 most effective summer plumbing tips.

How to Prepare for Summer Plumbing

Here is a guide to prepare for summer plumbing:

  1. Pay attention to sweating pipes
  2. Examine the plumbing beneath the sink
  3. Inspect toilets for leaks
  4. Inspect the washing machine
  5. Check for sprinkler obstructions
  6. Sump pump maintenance
  7. Hose inspection
  8. Drain your water heater
  9. Adapt water usage
  10. Replace things when necessary

1. Pay attention to sweating pipes

Your water system’s pipes sweat during the summer because it is significantly colder within the tube than the room temperature. As a result, pipes may appear to leak. Even though your pipes are only sweating, you are wasting water and risk potential water damage. You should protect your pipes by wrapping them just like you would during winter.

2. Examine the plumbing beneath the sink

If you see signs of leaks or seeping in your sink, shower, or bath, fix them immediately. In addition to your kitchen sink, check your utility room and basement for exposed pipes. You should also check your pipes for rust or any signs of leaking water.

3. Inspect toilets for leaks

A leaky toilet can cause some serious water damage in a home. Start by inspecting the floor that surrounds the toilet. A wet surface is a sign that the seal or joint has failed. No matter what the issue is, it should be remedied before the ongoing dampness causes damage to the floor below or the ceiling.

How to find a hidden water leak

4. Inspect the washing machine

Make sure the floor is free from leaks and drips after removing the washing machine from the wall. You should also thoroughly inspect the water supply hoses on the machine. You should check the rubber water hoses for signs of deterioration, such as cracks and bulges.

Studies have shown that rubber hoses age poorly, and failure rates for older hoses increase dramatically. The rule of thumb is to replace hoses every five years, but this depends on the frequency of use of the washing machine.

5. Get rid of sprinkler obstructions

Maintaining your sprinkler system throughout the season is important to make sure individual sprinkler heads are not clogged with debris such as dirt, grass clippings, or other forms of obstructions. The presence of this material in a sprinkler head can lead to an excessive buildup of water pressure that can potentially burst the water main. Check all heads at the beginning of each season to make sure they are functioning properly.

As part of this process, make sure each head is free of damage. The water wasted by a damaged water head goes beyond simply preventing water from reaching its assigned area. The fluid is still being assigned to the head by the system, but the fluid is not being dispensed as it should. Replace the sprinkler head immediately if you find any damage!

6. Sump pump maintenance

Clean the pump, including the screen and inlet, after unplugging it and removing the power source. You can refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to do this. Inlet screens and pump screens should be cleaned about every three months. Once they are cleaned, you can restore the power and pour some water into the unit to ensure it’s working.

Residential Plumbing Services

7. Hoses should be checked for expansion

When the air is cold, things can shrink, but they can also expand when it’s warm. The first thing that will show signs of expansion are water valves located around the exterior of your home or water hoses used for gardening. These hoses or pipes can crack and expand rapidly in response to temperature increases or direct sunlight. To avoid damage to your home, it’s vital that you replace damaged items as soon as possible.

8. Water heater maintenance

As temperatures rise, most people take several showers per day during the summer. Using a lot of water in this way can quickly increase your water bills so you may want to consider decreasing the hot water temperature in your hot water system. You won’t use nearly as much hot water during the warmer months, so why pay to keep it warm all day?

Your water tank should also be drained after its extended service during the winter months. Sediment build-up is often the reason why water heaters need repair after a few years of use. When changing the temperature of your hot water heater, take the time to drain it to save some money.

Why am I running out of hot water?

9. Adapt water usage

Summer is the season when overall water usage increases, which can impact the water pressure in your home. Try to take your showers earlier or later than usual to avoid peak water usage times during the day. Additionally, you can check your neighbors’ sprinkler schedules and set yours to start a little later so that your water pressure is optimal.

It is possible that despite being mindful, your water pressure may remain low due to a more serious problem, such as a ruptured water main. In this case, the services of a professional plumber will be needed. An underground water main rupture may cause low water pressure, wet areas or bulging spots in your yard where underground pipes run.

10. Replace things when necessary

Older pipes are usually made of cast iron or another metal that erodes over time. It can also cause leaks, clogs, and unpleasant odors as bacteria grow inside them. If they go unchecked, these problems can result in great damage, so make sure these areas are checked by a professional plumber.

It is best to have corroded water pipes in your home replaced immediately rather than allowing them to continue to corrode. Corrosion spreads and will eventually affect the whole water circuit of your home if left unattended.

How do you test a pipe for corrosion?

Plumbing services

The above-mentioned 10 tips for summer plumbing offer an efficient way of maintaining and keeping your plumbing system in good condition. However, it’s always better to hire the services of professional plumbers to perform inspections and solve plumbing problems.

Don’t let plumbing mishaps ruin your summer! Our team of expert plumbers is available to assist with any plumbing needs. Our plumbers offer fast, courteous, and personalized service in the greater Montreal area and its surroundings, whether you are on the south shore or the north shore. We are here to solve your problems and help you carry out your projects!

Hire a Master Plumber

10 tips for summer plumbing preparation | Pro-Drain (2024)

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