Daniel Edelman

7 Summer Plumbing Tips To Beat The Leak

Ah, summer—the time for barbecues, vacations, and… unexpected plumbing problems? With water demand and temperatures at an all-time high this time of the year, your plumbing can face strains, low pressure, and a whole lot of other issues—but not if you prepare ahead!

Don't let a leaky faucet or clogged drain dampen your fun. With a little preparation and these seven summer plumbing tips, you can keep your home's water flowing smoothly all season long.

We'll guide you through the essential steps to ensure a stress-free summer for your plumbing system.

Indoor Summer Plumbing Tips

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Turn Off The Main Valve During Vacations

Every homeowner needs to know where their main water shut-off valve is. It’s the master switch for your whole water supply that’s usually located in the basement, utility closet, or near the water meter.

Unexpected leaks or pipe bursts can happen anytime, and if they occur while you're away, the consequences can be severe. So if you’re going away for long, shut off the main water valve to ensure your home and belongings are safe from potential flood and water damage. Better to be safe than sorry!

Adjust To The Right Water Pressure

Summer means higher water demand and unpredictable water pressures. Too high or low and it can cause problems with your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

To make sure the water pressure’s always just right, check your main valve’s water pressure regulator. Ideally, it should be between 30 and 80 psi. Outside of this range, you’ll need to adjust it.

🧑‍🔧Summer Plumbing Tip: Use a pressure-reducing valve to drop water pressure in pipes whenever needed and save water. This Legend Valve T-6900 Pressure Reducing Valve lets you adjust the pressure level between 25 to 70 psi for a protected plumbing system.

Check For Leaks

Summer's heat can worsen existing leaks, so finding and fixing them early can prevent bigger summer plumbing problems. Here's how you can locate those pesky water leaks:

Inspect Visible Plumbing: Start by inspecting your exposed pipes. Look for any signs of moisture, mold, cracks, or bulges. Remember to check under sinks and behind appliances like the dishwasher, washing machine, sump pump, and hot water heater tank.
Water Meter Test: Turn off all the water-using appliances and fixtures in your house. Then check your water meter. If the dial is still moving, even slightly, it suggests a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Toilet Tank Test: For a quick toilet leak check, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank, not the bowl. Wait for 10-15 minutes. If colored water appears in the bowl without flushing, you likely have a leaky valve that needs replacing.

Prevent Clogs

Summertime often means increased use of our plumbing system, making it susceptible to clogs. Be prepared for clogs to keep summer fun flowing and reduce frustration. Here are some summer plumbing tips to do this:

Install Drain Strainers: These handy devices in sinks and tubs block hair, food scraps, and other debris before they can enter the drainpipes. Empty and clean them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Beware of What Goes Down the Drain: Avoid pouring grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables down the kitchen sink. In the bathroom, watch out for hair, wipes or toilet paper, and hygiene products.
Garbage Disposal Do's: Stick to grinding up small food scraps and avoid putting bones, fresh fruits, or anything fibrous or elastic down the disposal. Always run cold water while using it to help flush food particles through the system.

Save Water

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it's also a time when water resources can become strained. Follow these summer plumbing tips to save water and the environment:

Take Shorter Showers: Challenge yourself to shave a few minutes off your shower time. You'll be surprised at how much water you can save without sacrificing cleanliness.
Fix Drippy Faucets: Drips from a leaky faucet can add up quickly. Fix or replace drippy faucets promptly to prevent wasted water.
Wash Full Loads Only: Whether it's the dishwasher or washing machine, waiting for a full load before running them is an easy way to conserve water.

Outdoor Summer Plumbing Tips

Source: Canva

Check Outdoor Pipes and Hoses

Summer's sunshine can also wreak havoc on your exposed outdoor plumbing, with excessive UV rays causing them to expand and become brittle.

So inspect all exposed pipes, hose bibs, sprinkler system, and connections for any signs of moisture, cracks, or weeping. Don't forget to check underneath any spigots, faucets, and sprinkler heads. Early detection and part replacement can save you from a bigger summer plumbing headache later.

Make sure you also tighten up loose connections. Over time, vibrations and temperature changes can loosen the connections on your outdoor faucets and hoses.

Clean The Gutters

If you didn’t clean your gutters in the spring, now’s the best time to do it. When summer storms arrive, clogged gutters can cause water to overflow. This can saturate the ground around your foundation, potentially causing cracks and leaks in your basement. Before you know it, you're facing expensive repairs for water damage.

Get Your Septic or Sewage System Checked

For homeowners with septic systems, summer get-togethers can put extra strain on the septic or sewer lines due to increased usage. Scheduling a professional septic tank inspection before summer is a smart move. This can identify potential problems early on, avoid costly backups, and ensure your system operates at its best during peak usage times.

Beat The Summer Leaks With NYDirect

Keeping your plumbing system running smoothly with our summer plumbing tips is especially important during the hot weather. If these plumbing tips for summer make you realize you need new fixtures—a new sump pump or a leaky faucet kit, we’ve got your back.

NYDirect is your one-stop shop for plumbing upgrades and parts. We're a family-owned and operated business dedicated to helping American families and homeowners just like you. With NYDirect, ordering what you need is simple, seamless, and stress-free.

We have everything you need to keep your plumbing in top shape this summer. Add them all to your cart and enjoy quick and free same-day delivery when you spend $99! Browse NYDirect and get started on your project right away.