5 Common Plumbing Problems in the Hot Weather

Summer is here, and the weather is beautifully hot. Your priority is likely packing up work at the end of the day and heading to the beach for a BBQ or a swim. It goes without saying that the last thing you want to deal with during this glorious weather is a problem with your plumbing.

When most people think of heat-related issues in their homes, they think of the air conditioner breaking or the fridge switching off. And while these things are frustrating during some of the hottest weather we’ve had, they are not as difficult or expensive to deal with as plumbing problems can be. Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent these common plumbing problems from occurring during your hard-earned summer break.

1. Clogged Drains During the Summer

This is an especially smelly problem during the summer and can cause homeowners a significant amount of hassle. And while entertaining outdoors is a great way to make the most of the weather, it can mean that your drains are getting used far more frequently.

To avoid any blockages, ensure none of the following is washed down the sink at the end of a party of outdoor event:

• Coffee granules
• Oil and grease
• Food scraps
• Paper towels
• Wipes

These are just a few of the items commonly flushed down the sink that can cause expensive-to-fix clogged drains! If you ensure nothing unusual ends up down your sink and prioritise cleaning out the sink and pouring a kettle of hot water down the pipes every few days, you should keep the drains clear of clogs!

2. Leaky Pipes During the Summer

Leaky taps are notoriously responsible for wasting water and can result in some extremely expensive bills at the end of the month. Leaky taps are a common problem often caused by stress on the pipes. The reason your pipes experience stress is that filling swimming pools, alongside using garden hoses and sprinklers more regularly can cause stress on your pipes, making them more likely to leak.

To avoid the problem of leaky pipes, aim to use your water mains as little as possible, watering your garden from water butts to save on your monthly bill and reduce the stress on your pipes.

3. Structural Damage to Your Drainage System

During the summer, it is possible that the ground under your home can dry up with the lack of rain and this can cause your pipes to crack. The heat and the UV rays beating down on your pipes day after day can result in some serious damage. And while this can take years to happen, at the first signs of a collapsed drain, you should deal with it as soon as possible. Cover any exposed pipework around your home with insulation to ensure the heat from the sun does not damage it.

4. Blocked Gutters

You may not have given any thought to the health of your guttering, but blocked and clogged gutters can cause significant plumbing problems during the summer. Your gutters must remain clean and clear during the summer months to avoid any problems and to help keep water away from the foundation of your home.

Your gutters can easily become blocked during the summer by falling debris such as leaves, twigs, and grass clippings. So, ensure your gutters are regularly swept clean by a professional so you don’t have any expensive blockages to fix.

5. Slow-Clearing Shower Drains

While everyone loves trips to the beach during the hot weather, your shower can often suffer when you get home as the sand, pebbles, and shells you bring home from the beach can become blocked in the drain. So, to avoid this problem and protect your shower drains, get a drain cover to catch all of the debris you and your family bring back from the beach. Keep an eye on the drain cover throughout the week and be sure to regularly remove any trapped hair and other debris to avoid the common problem of blocked shower drains.

Know Where the Water Valve is

Should anything happen with any of the water-using appliances in your home, it is important you know where the water valve is and how to use it, so you can deal with an emergency. If you leave on holiday during the summer, for any length of time, you must switch off the water valve while you’re away – this will help prevent any water-related problems while you’re away.

The plumbing in your home runs throughout your property and can be especially costly to repair if any part of the pipe system bursts or springs a leak while you’re away. So, ensure you know where the water valve is and how to switch it off.

Get It Sorted

The summer is one of the best times to sort out any drainage problems as the great weather provides an excellent opportunity to carry out drain maintenance with ease. What’s more, drain installations won’t be delayed by rainfall and other weather problems. Fixing any drainage problems or preventing those common plumbing problems during the summer certainly makes sense.

However, your biggest priority should always be prevention! Preventing drainage and plumbing problems during the summer is extremely important, so I hope this list has been helpful in giving you all the information you need to enjoy your summer without any plumbing problems!