Serious Summer Plumbing Problems

With long, warm days just around the corner, you may be saving to splurge on a family vacation. Unfortunately, nothing can throw a wrench in such plans like costly home repairs or insurance claims draining your funds. And though summer leaves behind the dangers of winter’s iciness and spring’s raininess, it brings along its own troublesome conditions that can increase the risk of potentially severe plumbing issues. To preserve your home (and wallet), check out this guide on the most common of these problems and the precautions you can take to avoid them.

Leaky pipes

Water damage is one of the most frequent homeowners insurance claims, and problematic pipes could leave you with seriously wet walls and woodwork this summer. Blame the season’s hotter temperatures, which can cause pipes to expand—potentially to the point of cracking. This is especially likely in uninsulated areas that bear the brunt of this heat, such as a basement or an outdoor kitchen.

As an added complication, kids home for summer break, guests visiting for barbecues, and a thirsty lawn can all surge your water demands. This increased flow intensifies the pressure inside your pipes, further escalating their risk of cracking. Even a minor leak from such a damaged pipe can release over 8,000 gallons of water per year. And with enough stress, your pipes may burst entirely, quickly releasing great amounts of water into your walls, basement, cabinetry, or floors.

To keep issues at bay, schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection ahead of the season. An expert can identify existing leaks or old, corroded, or poorly installed pipes that may soon lead to water damage. From there, they will recommend solutions, such as repairing or replacing worn plumbing. You can also check for leaks yourself by turning off your main water supply and reading your water meter. If it continues running, there may be a culprit concealed somewhere; in that case, you’ll need to enlist a plumber to conduct any necessary repairs.

Mold and mildew

Whether water releases from damaged pipes or another source like your toilets or dishwasher, it’s crucial to address these problems right away since they can lead to not only spiking utility costs but also a more hazardous complication: mold and mildew.

While this issue can occur year-round, it is especially prominent in summer due to the warm, humid air, which creates the perfect environment for fungi to grow. These spores seek damp places to settle in and flourish, and even small leaks offer enough moisture to satisfy them. And once fungi take root, they can cause permanent damage to costly building materials and even impact your family’s health.

Preventative measures such as the plumbing inspection mentioned above are the best way to avoid water damage and subsequent fungal growth. But as an added precaution, you should also check periodically for signs of mold or mildew. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for musty odors, peeling paint or wallpaper, and unpleasantly slimy surfaces. For undeniable proof of mold or mildew, look for green, black, or white patches. If you detect any issues, call a mold remediation service immediately.

Main-line mishaps

Besides the ones in your home, there are two other pipes under your yard that are at significant risk of cracking during summer: the water main and the sewer main. The former directs clean water from a municipal water supply or private well into your home, while the latter transports wastewater into a sewer system or septic tank.

Unsurprisingly, damage to these essential pipes could spell trouble for both your yard and your entire plumbing system. As long, sunny days spur sudden tree growth, powerful and invasive roots can actually penetrate your main pipes in search of water. Additionally, should there be an unusually wet or dry summer, the soil may shift in response, causing buried pipes to crack. When such destruction occurs, water flowing either in or out of your house can leak, flooding your yard with potentially hazardous fluids.

Sadly, it’s difficult to prevent these issues since they stem from environmental conditions beyond your control. So instead, keep tabs on the top signs of main-pipe issues, including spiking water bills, low faucet pressure, slow drains throughout your home, and perpetual damp spots in your yard. What to do about these woes? You guessed it: call a plumber. You definitely don’t want to be dealing with possible sewer water yourself.

AC leaks

Air-conditioning can help make sweltering summer days more tolerable, but when this tech starts leaking, the ensuing repair prices could leave you sweating in a whole other way.

There are many reasons why AC systems might expel water. If a central unit’s drain line (or condensate line) clogs, water may collect excessively in the drain pan. According to the home-improvement experts at Bob Vila, it is possible to clear these lines yourself with a shop vac. However, if water is already overflowing from the drain pan, call an HVAC specialist to assess the damage.

Ironically, ice can also be a summer calamity. AC units can “freeze up” on hot days if their coolant fluid, which chills the airflow, is low or leaking. The subsequent ice buildup on the unit’s coils may respond to hot outdoor air and melt, flooding your drain pan as a result. This issue can affect various units, including central and mini-split systems.

To detect these or other problems, check for warm air blowing from your AC unit, visible ice on it, or water leaking around it. Two ways to keep it in line include changing its air filters as directed and ordering routine maintenance. A technician can help ensure your AC system is prepared for the hardworking months ahead and identify issues like damaged condensate lines early—before minor woes can explode into greater calamities.

Though winter may be the prime season for plumbing concerns, these essential systems are surprisingly fragile all year long. To protect yours this summer, follow the tips laid out above, and be sure to have a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy to help mitigate costs in the event of disaster, optimizing your coverage options with an agent or broker as needed. Be vigilant with your plumbing this summer, and you can enjoy a pleasant season with a reduced risk of waterborne mishaps.