Best Practices for Home Plumbing Maintenance in Summer
Summer can be tough on your plumbing if you’re not paying attention. As temperatures rise, your water system works a little harder whether it's more laundry from sweaty clothes, watering the yard more often, or hosting extra guests. That added use, mixed with warmer weather, can put more pressure on your pipes, drains, and water heater. And in a place like Birmingham, where the summer heat sticks around, that wear and tear builds up fast.
Regular checks on your plumbing in summer don’t just help avoid big repairs. They keep your home running without unwanted disruption. In Birmingham, staying ahead of common issues like clogs, hidden leaks, or a stressed water heater makes a real difference. A little maintenance here and there adds up and helps prevent those surprise problems that show up at the worst time.
Inspect And Clean Your Drains
Summer is the season for cookouts, yard games, and more time spent outdoors, which usually means more dirt and debris getting tracked into your home. That ends up in the shower, sink, and laundry, and eventually heads down the drain. Add in shampoo, soap buildup, or food scrap backups in the kitchen, and those drains start to slow down.
If you’re noticing water pooling at your feet during a shower, a kitchen sink that empties slower than usual, or gurgling sounds when you flush a toilet, those are all signs your drains may be clogged or narrowed. Letting that go for too long can turn a simple cleaning job into something more serious.
Here are a few good habits to keep summer clogs under control:
- Use drain strainers in the kitchen sink and bathroom drains to catch hair, grease, and leftover food
- Don’t pour grease down the sink. Let it cool, then toss it in the trash instead
- Run hot water after each use to flush out oils and soap that might cling to the pipe walls
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper
- Keep outdoor drains clear of leaves, grass clippings, and dirt that can block water flow after it rains
Even a few minutes of maintenance once a week can help you catch issues early and keep everything moving properly. In Birmingham, that’s especially helpful right before those heavy summer storms roll in and send extra water through your outdoor lines.
Check For Leaks And Drips
Heat has a way of making tiny leaks worse over time. The sun doesn’t just beat down on your roof. It bakes everything else too, including pipes under the home or out in the yard. When metal or plastic pipes expand and contract from heat, even a small crack or loose fitting can start dripping.
You might not always notice a leak right away. Sometimes, the signs are more subtle. Maybe your floor near the sink feels a little soft, or the paint around your baseboards starts to peel. Maybe your water pressure in the shower isn’t quite what it used to be. Other times, the only red flag is a water bill that’s higher than normal for no clear reason.
A simple walkthrough can help spot problems before they get out of hand:
- Check under sinks and cabinets for puddles, damp wood, or stains
- Look around toilets and tubs for signs of dripping water
- Inspect hoses on tools like washing machines and dishwashers
- Take a look at your lawn, especially areas near the water line, for extra-lush spots or sogginess
- Turn off all water in the house and watch your meter. If it’s still moving, there’s a leak somewhere
Leaks aren’t always dramatic, but they waste water and wear out surfaces fast. If you notice anything off, it’s better to handle it sooner than later. Summers in Birmingham aren’t just hot. They’re long, and a little leak left untreated doesn’t stay small for long.
Maintain Your Water Heater
During summer, you might assume water heater issues take a break. But between extra showers, washing sandy beach towels, and the occasional need for warm water at the kitchen sink, your water heater keeps working behind the scenes more than you think. If it’s not maintained, mineral buildup, corrosion, or old components can lead to poor performance or even no hot water at all.
Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, you’ll want to make a habit of checking it at least once during the summer months. In Birmingham, where humidity is part of daily life, water heaters placed in garages or basements are more exposed to moisture that can rust or weaken tank parts. Sediment buildup is also common and often goes overlooked.
Here are a few helpful actions to keep your water heater running without a hitch:
- Listen for sounds like popping or rumbling, which may mean built-up sediment
- Look around the base of the tank for puddles or rusty spots
- Make sure the pressure relief valve is free of debris and not leaking
- Check the thermostat and consider lowering it during hotter months to save wear
- Drain a few gallons from the tank to help clear any settled particles
If you’ve had the unit for a while or notice your hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to, it could be time to have it inspected. Water heaters might seem low-maintenance, but a small problem left untreated can shorten its lifespan quickly. Taking time for a mid-year check keeps things running smoothly and helps avoid cold surprises.
Prepare For Vacation
If you’re heading out of town for a few days or a few weeks, it’s a good idea to set your home’s plumbing up for a quiet break too. A plumbing problem while you’re away can go unnoticed and turn into a bigger mess by the time you return. Preparing your plumbing before vacation doesn’t take long and gives you peace of mind while you’re gone.
Start by thinking about where the water flows, then work your way through the house step by step:
1. Shut off the main water valve if no one will be home
2. Turn off the water heater or switch it to vacation mode
3. Check all faucets and hoses for drips and tighten if needed
4. Clear out your garbage disposal and give it a rinse with cold water and a little vinegar
5. Leave one or two faucets open slightly if you expect cold nights in higher elevations, though that’s less of a worry for Birmingham summers
You might also want to ask a neighbor or friend to check on the house, especially if you’ll be gone for more than a week. Just a quick walk-through to look under sinks or listen for any odd sounds can catch problems early. Peace of mind is easier to enjoy when you’re confident that your plumbing is safely on pause.
When To Call A Professional
Some fixes are simple enough to spot and take care of, but others creep in without notice. If you’ve tried maintenance steps and still run into low water pressure, strange smells, or water heater issues, those are signs to call in a plumbing professional.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s probably a good time to reach out:
- You notice water spots on ceilings or walls
- You’ve got slow drainage throughout the entire house, not just one room
- You hear banging, rattling, or constant dripping noises even when everything is off
- The water heater is more than 10 years old and seems inconsistent
- Your outdoor hose bibs leak or show signs of rust or frost cracks
Having someone local who understands plumbing in Birmingham helps you get to the root of the issue faster. Whether it’s inspecting pipes, checking water pressure, or dealing with slow-to-heat water, a licensed plumber can get your system back on track without you having to dig through technical manuals or guess your way through repairs.
Keep Your Plumbing in Top Shape This Summer
Staying ahead of summer plumbing problems isn’t about a massive overhaul. It’s about simple habits that make a big difference. Each check you do, every small fix you catch early, adds a layer of protection against those costly surprises. From the water heater to the backyard hose, summer brings more activity and a bit more risk, but also more chances to stay ahead of it all.
In Birmingham, where summer heat and humidity hang around for months, a consistent plumbing routine helps your home run more smoothly. Add a few of these checks to your seasonal to-do list, and you’ll be in much better shape no matter how hot it gets outside. A bit of attention now means fewer headaches, fewer repairs, and more time enjoying the season with your feet up.
If you're noticing signs of plumbing issues this summer, like leaks or low water pressure, it might be time to bring in expert help. Learn how we can assist with detecting and fixing hidden problems by exploring our services for plumbing in Birmingham. At Keith the Plumber, we’re here to keep your home running smoothly no matter how hot it gets outside.
