In areas like Soquel, California, homes tend to use more water during the summer for irrigation, showers, laundry, and cooling. Increased consumption puts more strain on pipes, fixtures, and outdoor plumbing. Intense heat also affects water pressure and can speed up the wear on aging components unless you follow some summer plumbing tips!
At Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters, Inc., we focus on preventing seasonal damage through regular checks and preventative maintenance. Below, we share tips to reduce plumbing system strain, improve water usage efficiency, and catch pipe problems before they cost you thousands in repairs or replacements.
Some Unique Plumbing Issues in Coastal California
Close to the ocean in California, you have to deal with some plumbing issues that people in other parts of the country don’t even know about. For example:
- Salty air corrodes outdoor pipes and metal fittings.
- Fog traps moisture that speeds up rust in exposed joints.
- Steep hills cause drainage problems.
How can you combat these plumbing issues? With seasonal plumbing maintenance and the ten tips below.
Summer Plumbing Tips for Homeowners
Starting with plumbing basics, these tips move toward more involved maintenance to keep your plumbing flowing all summer long.
1. Tighten or Replace Leaky Hose Bibs
Start with a full outdoor faucet inspection. Turn on each hose bib and check for leaks at the handle or where the hose connects. Replace worn washers or the entire fixture if needed.
2. Check and Clean Drain Covers and Screens
Install mesh drain screens in showers, sinks, and tubs, and clear them weekly. These simple devices help prevent pipe clogs that lead to slow drainage and backups. Avoid harsh chemicals that damage pipe walls.
3. Inspect Sprinkler Heads for Damage
Damaged sprinkler heads waste water and saturate your greenery unevenly. Walk each sprinkler zone and look for cracked heads, uneven spray, or pooling water. Sprinkler system leaks near your foundation can lead to soil shifting and buried pipe strain, so replace broken parts and adjust spray direction as needed.
4. Test Your Water Pressure
Use a pressure gauge to perform a water pressure check at an outdoor faucet. Low readings point to a hidden leak or clog, while high pressure can strain fittings and fixtures. Contact a plumber if the numbers fall outside the normal range, which is 40 to 60 psi.
5. Flush Your Water Heater
Flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment by connecting a hose to the drain valve, opening it, and running water until it’s clear. Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and overheats the tank. If the water smells or stays rusty, call for a plumbing inspection.
6. Look For Signs of a Sewer Backup
Gurgling sounds from drains or the smell of sewage indoors often point to a sewer line backup. In California, tree roots often break into old sewer lines. If multiple drains slow down at once, schedule a camera inspection right away.
7. Inspect Your Sump Pump With the Bucket Test
This is one of the summer plumbing tips that helps protect your home from flooding during heavy storms. Pour water into your sump pit and wait for the pump to start. It should activate quickly, drain the pit, and shut off properly, so if it stalls or vibrates, a plumber will need to replace it.
8. Prepare Your Plumbing Before Leaving Town
Going somewhere? Shut off your home’s main water valve and set your water heater to vacation mode. Run water in any unused drains and install leak detectors so that you can receive alerts if anything goes wrong while you’re away.
9. Seal Gaps Around Outdoor Pipe Openings
Check where pipes pass through walls or siding and seal any visible gaps with caulk or spray foam. These small openings allow pests and moisture into your home. Moisture causes wood rot, pipe corrosion, and metal fitting failure, especially around hose bibs and outdoor utility lines.
10. Check Washing Machine Hoses for Wear
Lastly, inspect your washing machine hoses for cracks, bulges, or worn connectors. Old rubber hoses fail more often in summer due to pressure fluctuations. A single burst hose can flood your laundry room with gallons of water in minutes, so why not replace it with braided stainless steel lines?
Schedule Preventative Summer Maintenance With Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters
These summer plumbing tips help you solve small problems before they turn into expensive repairs, but some issues still need a professional. At Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters, we handle inspections, repairs, and upgrades. To avoid costly plumbing mistakes this summer, check out our other blog or give us a call at 831-713-1529.
