As summer kicks in, the heat and humidity can put a strain on your home’s plumbing. To keep things running smoothly during the hot months, staying on top of maintenance and preventing clogs and leaks is smart. Taking care of small issues now can save you from bigger problems and expensive repairs down the road.
Let’s look at five ways to avoid plumbing issues and keep your home comfortable all summer. At Reliable Comfort, in Columbus, IN, we offer homeowners expert advice and comprehensive maintenance services to take care of their HVAC systems all summer.
How Does Hot Weather Affect Your Plumbing?
In the hot summer, both the heat and rain can affect your plumbing. The heat makes pipes, especially PVC ones, expand and contract. This can weaken the joints and lead to small cracks or leaks.
Our summers also bring quite a bit of rain along with the heat. Summer rains can overwhelm your drainage system, throwing off water pressure and causing leaks or backups. Plus, with everyone home more often, your plumbing takes on more strain, making it more prone to clogs and leaks.
How to Prevent Plumbing Leaks
Preventing plumbing leaks starts with staying vigilant about the condition of your pipes and fixtures. Regularly check your pipes for signs of wear, corrosion, or cracks. Check areas that are often neglected, such as under sinks and around the water heater. If you notice any weak spots or leaks, it’s best to replace them before they cause larger issues.
Installing pressure regulators helps protect your pipes from high water pressure, which can cause them to crack or burst. Also, replacing old pipes and fixtures can prevent leaks and keep your plumbing working well. For older homes, it’s especially important to upgrade to modern plumbing materials such as cross-linked high-density polyethylene (PEX) or copper, which are more durable and resistant to leaks.
Prevent Clogged Drains This Summer
Clogged drains are a common issue that many homes face, especially during summer when water use often increases. From cooking more meals at home to hosting guests, your plumbing works harder this time of year.
Common culprits include hair, food scraps, grease, and soap scum. These materials may seem harmless, but once they gather inside your pipes, they can form stubborn blockages that slow water flow or stop it completely.
Even wet wipes labeled “flushable” can cause problems; they often degrade faster than toilet paper, but the process is almost always too slow for plumbing systems to handle properly.
You might first notice water draining slower than usual or strange gurgling sounds in the pipes. Over time, a small clog can turn into a complete backup, which may lead to overflows or bad smells. We often see homeowners with clogs that end up creating an issue where water leaks out into walls or floors if left alone.
To avoid these problems, avoid pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink and use a drain catcher to trap hair in your shower or bathtub. Using cold water while running your garbage disposal can help push waste through more cleanly. Preventive habits like these can help you avoid the frustration and mess of a blocked drain.
More Summer Plumbing Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your plumbing system involves more than just checking pipes. A few simple maintenance steps can help you prevent plumbing issues. Here are a few tips to help keep things running smoothly:
- Install tree root barriers: Prevent roots from growing through your foundation and reaching your plumbing system.
- Trim or remove trees: Stay on top of tree maintenance during peak growing season.Â
- Have drains professionally cleaned: A deep clean for your drains removes debris before it leads to a major clog.
- Schedule professional inspections: Catch minor issues before they become major ones.
Why Choose Reliable Comfort?
When it comes to maintaining your plumbing system during the hot summer months, you need a knowledgeable and reliable team. Reliable Comfort offers comprehensive plumbing maintenance services to keep your home safe and comfortable. Our expert team can help you prevent leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues with our preventive maintenance services, giving you the peace of mind that your home is in good condition.
If you’re ready to make sure your plumbing is summer-ready, Reliable Comfort is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing inspection and ensure your home is prepared for the season ahead.
