Plumbing

Summer brings longer days, more outdoor activities, and extra strain on your plumbing system. Whether you’re hosting backyard barbecues, running sprinklers, or taking more showers to beat the heat, your pipes, drains, and appliances are working overtime.

At 20/20 Plumbing & Heating, we believe a little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Here are a few summer plumbing tips to help you avoid unnecessary repairs and water waste while keeping everything flowing smoothly.

Check for Outdoor Leaks and Hose Bib Damage

Hose bibs (outdoor faucets) often go unused during colder months. When summer rolls around, people reconnect garden hoses only to discover leaks or cracks caused by winter weather. These slow leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water and lead to damage if left unchecked.

Quick tip: Turn on each outdoor faucet and look for water pooling or dripping around the connection. If anything looks off, it’s time to replace the bib or call a pro to take a closer look.

Inspect Your Sprinkler System

Summer is the peak season for irrigation systems. A misaligned or broken sprinkler head can waste water and damage your lawn. If your system hasn’t been used in a while, turn it on and do a walkthrough.

Watch for:

• Low pressure (could mean a leak)
• Overspray hitting the house or sidewalks
• Signs of underground pipe damage (like soggy patches or inconsistent coverage)

Be Mindful of Water Usage During High-Demand Months

Many cities implement water conservation guidelines during the summer. It’s a good time to check for running toilets, slow leaks, or dripping faucets that may be costing you money on your utility bill.

Don’t Ignore the Garbage Disposal

Summer means cookouts, corn on the cob, watermelon, and plenty of seasonal produce. It also means more strain on your garbage disposal.

Avoid putting fibrous foods like corn husks, celery, or melon rinds down the drain. Grease and oils from grilling should never be poured down your sink, as they harden and clog pipes over time.

Check Your Water Heater Settings

With hotter weather, you likely don’t need your water heater working as hard. Lowering the temperature a few degrees can reduce energy usage without affecting comfort. Also, keep an eye out for signs of wear like rumbling noises or longer heating times.

Builders: This is a great time to remind homeowners about proper water heater maintenance in new builds or multi-unit properties.

Plan Ahead for Vacation

Heading out of town? Shut off the main water supply and drain your pipes if you’ll be gone for an extended period. It’s a simple step that can prevent a plumbing disaster while you’re away.

Trust the Experts Behind the Build

At 20/20 Plumbing & Heating, we support builders and developers across California with reliable, expertly installed plumbing systems that stand up to the demands of every season. We believe in educating our partners and the public on how to protect their investments and prevent avoidable issues. If you’re a builder looking for a dependable plumbing contractor for your next project, we’re here to help you deliver with confidence.