As temperatures rise, many homeowners shift their focus to outdoor maintenance, vacation planning, and yard work. But there’s one area that shouldn’t be overlooked: your plumbing system.
Summer brings a unique set of plumbing challenges, from increased water usage and clogged drains to hidden leaks and sprinkler issues. Taking the time to inspect and prepare your plumbing system now can prevent costly repairs, water waste, and mid-season surprises.
This summer plumbing checklist will walk you through the top areas to check, clean, and maintain so your home stays leak-free and efficient all season long.
Why Summer Maintenance Matters for Plumbing
During summer, your plumbing system typically sees more usage and stress.
- Kids are home from school, increasing daily water use
- Guests and gatherings put pressure on toilets and drains
- Outdoor watering rises with garden and lawn care
- Warmer temperatures can expose or stress older pipes
Failing to prepare your system for these seasonal demands can lead to backups, leaks, and high utility bills. Preventative maintenance is always more affordable than emergency repairs.
Summer Plumbing Checklist
1. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs
After months of freezing temperatures, your outdoor faucets may have cracked or loosened. A small leak may not be obvious until it causes water damage or spikes your bill.
- Turn the faucet on and check for leaks or drips around the connection
- Inspect hose bibs and ensure there’s no water pooling near the foundation
- Replace washers or tighten fittings as needed
If you notice significant leaking, you may have a damaged pipe behind the wall from winter freezing—something that should be professionally repaired.
2. Check for Hidden Leaks
Summer is a great time to check your home for leaks you might have missed during colder months.
- Look under sinks for signs of moisture or mold
- Check around toilets and tubs for loose seals or damp flooring
- Watch for water stains on walls or ceilings
- Review your water bill for unexplained increases
Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons over the summer and increase your risk of mold and structural damage.
3. Clean and Test Sump Pumps
Heavy summer storms can quickly flood basements, especially if your sump pump isn’t working properly.
- Pour water into the sump pit to make sure the pump kicks on
- Clean out any debris from the pit or float
- Consider adding a battery backup if you don’t already have one
Sump pump failure during a storm can lead to costly water damage, especially in finished basements or homes with stored valuables.
4. Clear Slow or Clogged Drains
Increased summer water use can put stress on drains—especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Test all sinks, showers, and tubs for slow drainage
- Use a natural cleaner (baking soda + vinegar) to remove buildup
- For stubborn clogs, use a drain snake or schedule a professional cleaning
Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and are ineffective on deeper clogs.
5. Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment buildup in your water heater can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan. Summer is an ideal time to perform this simple maintenance task.
- Turn off the unit and attach a hose to the drain valve
- Drain several gallons to flush out sediment
- Listen for popping or rumbling sounds—these indicate buildup
If your water still smells metallic or looks rusty, it may be time to replace your water heater or have it inspected.
6. Inspect Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
Underground sprinkler systems are often neglected until there’s a problem. Inspect your system before peak watering season.
- Turn on each zone and look for broken heads or uneven coverage
- Check for puddles or soggy spots, which may indicate leaks
- Adjust timers to match local watering regulations and prevent overuse
Small irrigation issues can result in major water waste and higher utility bills throughout the summer.
7. Examine Toilet Performance
Toilets are used more frequently in summer—especially with kids at home. Make sure yours are running efficiently.
- Check for continuous running or hissing noises
- Test the flapper and flush valve for proper sealing
- Add food coloring to the tank and wait 30 minutes—if color appears in the bowl, you have a leak
Toilet leaks are a leading cause of water waste and are usually easy to fix with a flapper or float replacement.
8. Consider a Water Pressure Test
Too much water pressure can cause leaks and pipe damage, while low pressure affects showers, faucets, and irrigation systems.
Use a pressure gauge (available at most hardware stores) to test your home’s pressure.
- Ideal range: 40–60 PSI
- Anything above 70 PSI should be addressed with a pressure-reducing valve
This is especially important for older homes with aging pipe systems.
Bonus: Plan for Summer Travel with Smart Plumbing Tips
Heading out of town for a few days or longer? Don’t forget to protect your plumbing while you’re away:
- Turn off the main water supply
- Open a faucet to drain remaining pressure
- Set your water heater to vacation mode or lower the temperature
- Ask a neighbor to check for leaks or signs of moisture if you’ll be gone for a while
Returning from vacation to a flooded home is an expensive and stressful surprise that’s easy to prevent.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Summer Plumbing Issues
Your plumbing system works hard year-round, but summer brings new demands that require proactive care. By following this seasonal checklist, you’ll catch small issues early, avoid costly breakdowns, and enjoy a stress-free, water-efficient summer.
At Cohesive Mechanical, we offer seasonal plumbing inspections, sump pump maintenance, and leak detection services to keep your home protected and running smoothly.
Contact us today to schedule your summer plumbing check-up!
