Common Summer Plumbing Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
Summer in Colorado Springs brings sunshine, backyard barbecues, and family vacations—but it can also bring unexpected plumbing problems. With increased water usage, outdoor activity, and seasonal changes, your plumbing system may face challenges that don't typically show up in colder months.
At Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical, we help local homeowners stay ahead of seasonal plumbing issues. Here are the most common summer plumbing problems and how to prevent them before they disrupt your summer plans.
🚽 1. Clogged Toilets (Thanks, Summer Guests)
With kids home from school and more visitors in and out, toilets tend to get more use—and more abuse—during the summer months. That extra flushing can lead to clogs, especially if people aren’t careful about what goes down.
How to avoid it:
Remind guests and kids not to flush anything but toilet paper.
Keep a plunger nearby for small clogs.
Schedule a professional drain cleaning if you're experiencing slow drainage or frequent backups.
🏊 2. Sprinkler and Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Your outdoor plumbing is vulnerable during summer, especially if it wasn’t properly winterized. Cracks or leaks in sprinkler systems and hose bibs often go unnoticed until you turn them on again in the spring.
How to avoid it:
Inspect outdoor faucets and sprinkler heads for leaks before regular use.
Check for soggy spots in the lawn that could indicate an underground leak.
Turn off systems when not needed to reduce wear and tear.
🧺 3. Overloaded Washing Machine
Summertime means more laundry: swimsuits, beach towels, muddy clothes, and more. The extra load on your washer—and your plumbing—can lead to slow drains, hose failures, or even flooding if left unchecked.
How to avoid it:
Avoid running multiple loads back-to-back.
Inspect washer hoses for bulges or cracks.
Keep the drain area clear to allow for proper water flow.
🚿 4. Sewer Line Backups
Heavy rain and tree root growth during the summer can wreak havoc on your sewer line. When the ground shifts or roots invade, it can block the main sewer line and cause backups throughout your home.
How to avoid it:
Schedule a Colorado Springs drain cleaning or sewer line inspection annually.
Avoid planting trees or shrubs near sewer lines.
If you notice multiple slow drains or foul odors, call a plumber right away.
💧 5. Water Heater Strain
While water heaters usually get more attention in the winter, they still work hard in the summer—especially with more people at home. Long showers and constant dishwashing can strain older units.
How to avoid it:
Lower your water heater’s temperature to around 120°F to reduce wear.
Drain the tank annually to remove sediment buildup.
If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider a tune-up or replacement.
🛠️ Keep Your Summer Stress-Free With Pro Plumbing Help
Don’t let plumbing problems interrupt your summer fun. Whether it’s a small leak or a full-blown sewer issue, the team at Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical is here to help—fast, reliable, and always affordable.
Contact us today to schedule service or learn more about how we can help protect your home this summer.
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