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Summer brings warm weather, outdoor activities, and a lot of fun, but it can also bring some plumbing challenges. As temperatures rise, your plumbing system works harder, and certain issues tend to become more prevalent. Here are some common summer plumbing issues that may warrant a call to our plumbers in St. Petersburg, FL.
Clogged Drains
Summertime in Florida means more cooking, outdoor gatherings, and possibly more guests using your facilities, causing more wear and tear. Increased usage can lead to clogged sinks, showers, and toilet drains. Food scraps, grease, hair, and other debris can accumulate and block the pipes, causing slow drainage or complete backups.
Sewer Line Backups
Heavy summer rains can overwhelm sewer systems, leading to backups in your home’s sewer line. Tree roots can also grow aggressively during summer, invading sewer pipes and causing blockages. Sewer line backups can result in unpleasant odors, gurgling sounds, and sewage backup in sinks or toilets.
Sprinkler System Issues
If you have a sprinkler system for your lawn or garden, it’s in full use during summer. However, sprinkler heads can get clogged, damaged, or misaligned, leading to uneven watering, water wastage, or even flooding if a malfunction goes unnoticed.
Water Heater Overload
With higher demand for showers, laundry, and dishwashing during the summer, your water heater may be working overtime. This increased usage can stress the water heater, leading to issues like insufficient hot water, leaks, or even complete failure if the unit is old or improperly maintained.
Leaking Pipes
Summer heat can cause water pressure and temperature fluctuations, contributing to pipe expansion and contraction. Older pipes or joints may develop leaks or cracks, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or buried underground, where the soil can dry out and shift.
Sump Pump Problems
If a basement or lower level is prone to flooding, your sump pump is crucial for keeping it dry. However, summer storms and heavy rains can put extra strain on the sump pump. Issues like clogged discharge lines, pump failures, or power outages can result in basement flooding if not addressed promptly.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance
Summer is the perfect time to check and maintain your outdoor plumbing fixtures. Inspect hose bibs for leaks or damage, ensure outdoor faucets are functioning properly, and check for signs of leaks in irrigation systems or outdoor pipes.
Preventing and addressing these common summer plumbing issues can save you from inconvenience, water damage, and costly repairs. Here are some tips to help:
- Schedule a professional sewer line inspection and cleaning if needed.
- Contact a professional when plumbing issues surface to get ahead of them before they worsen.
- Due to their sensitive nature, it’s best never to try DIY plumbing repairs— a trained and qualified professional must maintain and repair anything on the plumbing system to ensure accuracy.
By staying proactive and addressing plumbing issues promptly, you can enjoy a worry-free summer season and keep your plumbing system in top condition. Contact The Clean Plumbers to set up an inspection or tackle the repairs you’ve been pushing off before summer is in full effect.