Summer is the perfect time to ensure your home’s plumbing services are in top condition. As temperatures rise, certain plumbing issues become more common, making preventative plumbing maintenance essential for avoiding costly repairs. A comprehensive summer plumbing checklist helps homeowners identify potential problems before they turn into major headaches.
We recommend starting your summer maintenance by inspecting all outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks or damage. This simple step can prevent water waste and potential foundation damage. Inside your home, check toilets, sinks, and appliances for any signs of leaking or unusual sounds that might indicate developing issues.
Don’t forget to examine your water heater, sump pump, and sewer lines as part of your seasonal home plumbing maintenance. These often-overlooked components can cause significant disruption if they fail during summer activities when water usage typically increases.
Taking time now for these inspections ensures your plumbing system runs smoothly throughout the warmer months.
In this article, you’ll find a complete seasonal checklist to keep your home’s plumbing system running efficiently, including leak detection, water pressure testing, drain care, and more.
We’ll also highlight how to spot hidden issues before they become expensive plumbing repairs through the topics below:
Good reading!
Summer is the perfect time to ensure your home’s plumbing system is functioning properly.
Regular plumbing maintenance can prevent costly plumbing repairs and keep everything running smoothly during the warmer months.
Checking for leaks should be your top priority. Start by examining all visible pipes under sinks and behind toilets for any signs of moisture or water damage. Even small drips can waste gallons of water and cause significant damage over time.
Look at your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the reading changes, you likely have a leak somewhere in your system.
Don’t forget outdoor faucets and hose bibs, as these are particularly vulnerable after winter. Turn them on and place your thumb over the opening, if you can stop the flow completely, you may have a leak inside your plumbing system.
Check toilet tanks by adding food coloring to the water. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak that needs attention. For more accuracy, consider a professional leak detection service to identify hidden issues before they escalate.
Proper water pressure is crucial for a well-functioning plumbing system. Low pressure can indicate clogs or leaks, while high pressure can damage pipes and appliances.
Purchase an inexpensive pressure gauge that attaches to an outside faucet. Normal residential water pressure typically ranges between 40–80 psi, with 50–60 psi being ideal.
If your pressure reads above 80 psi, consider installing a pressure regulator to protect your plumbing services. Too much pressure strains pipes and can lead to premature failure of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
For low pressure issues, check that your main water valve is fully open. Clean aerators on faucets that may be clogged with mineral deposits. If problems persist, diagnostic plumbing troubleshooting may be necessary to pinpoint deeper issues.
A thorough inspection of your pipes and fixtures can prevent major problems. Look for corrosion, rust, or mineral buildup on visible pipes. These issues can indicate potential future leaks.
Check all faucets by turning them on and off to ensure smooth operation. Listen for unusual sounds like banging or rattling that might signal loose pipes.
Inspect shower heads for mineral buildup and clean them with vinegar solution if necessary. This improves water flow and efficiency.
Don’t overlook drains, run water down each one to ensure proper drainage. Slow drains indicate potential clogs that should be addressed before they worsen. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water to clear minor clogs naturally.
Examine toilet flappers and fill valves for signs of wear and replace if necessary to prevent constant running.
Summer brings increased water usage outdoors. Taking care of your exterior plumbing services now prevents headaches and costly plumbing repairs later. These maintenance tasks are simple but essential for keeping your home’s plumbing system functioning properly during the warmer months.
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs need inspection after winter. Turn each faucet on and check for proper water flow. Look for leaks around the handle or where the faucet connects to your house. A leaking outdoor faucet can waste water and potentially damage your home’s foundation.
If you notice dripping when the faucet is off, the washer may need replacement. Check the water pressure too, low pressure might indicate a blockage or leak in your supply line. In some cases, pipe repair or replacement may be required to fix underlying issues.
Don’t forget to inspect your garden hoses for cracks, leaks, or damaged connections. Replace washers in hose connections if they’re leaking. Storing hoses properly when not in use extends their lifespan and prevents unnecessary strain on faucets.
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water damage to your property. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters to ensure proper water flow. Use a garden hose to flush the gutters and check for proper drainage.
Make sure downspouts direct water at least 3–5 feet away from your foundation. This prevents basement flooding and foundation damage. Consider installing downspout extensions if needed.
Don’t overlook outdoor drains around your property. Clear any debris from yard drains, patio drains, and driveway drains. Pour water down each drain to verify it flows freely. Applying a drain cleaner or clog removal service can help prevent future blockages and ensure optimal performance of your plumbing services.
Your sump pump is crucial for preventing basement flooding during summer storms. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should activate automatically and remove the water quickly.
Check that the discharge pipe is clear and directs water away from your foundation. Remove any debris or obstructions that might block water flow. The discharge point should be at least 10–20 feet from your home.
Consider installing a battery backup system if you don’t already have one. This provides protection during power outages that often accompany summer storms. We recommend replacing sump pumps every 7–10 years, even if they’re still working, to prevent unexpected failures.
Summer is the perfect time to focus on improving your home's safety systems and efficiency measures. Taking care of these aspects now can prevent problems when temperatures rise and save you money on utility bills.
Water quality often changes during summer months due to increased municipal treatment chemicals or seasonal changes in water sources. Install a whole-house water filter to remove contaminants before they reach your faucets. These systems range from basic sediment filters to comprehensive reverse osmosis systems.
Check faucet aerators and showerheads for mineral buildup. Soak them in vinegar overnight to dissolve deposits that restrict water flow and harbor bacteria.
Consider having your water tested, especially if you use a well system. Summer rain can introduce new contaminants into groundwater sources.
Replace refrigerator water filters according to manufacturer recommendations, typically every six months. This ensures your drinking water and ice remain clean and fresh.
Your HVAC system works overtime during summer. Replace air filters monthly when the system runs continuously. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder.
Clear debris from around outdoor condensing units. Leave at least two feet of clearance for proper airflow. Trim back vegetation that could interfere with operation.
Check condensate drain lines for clogs. These small pipes can become blocked with algae and mold, causing water damage and system malfunction.
Have a professional inspect refrigerant levels and electrical connections. Low refrigerant indicates a leak that requires prompt attention.
Clean air vents and returns throughout your home. Dust accumulation reduces efficiency and circulates allergens throughout your home.
Carbon monoxide dangers don't disappear in summer. Water heaters, gas dryers, and stoves operate year-round and can produce this deadly gas.
Test all carbon monoxide detectors monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries twice yearly, regardless of detector type.
Check detector expiration dates. Most units need replacement every 5-7 years, even if they appear functional when tested.
Install detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making detection devices your only warning system.
Consider upgrading to smart detectors that connect to your phone for alerts even when you’re away from home. If you detect unusual gas-related behavior, it could signal a broader plumbing emergency requiring immediate attention.
Seal ductwork with metal-backed tape or mastic sealant. Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of cooling energy, especially in attics and crawlspaces.
Install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. Program it to reduce cooling when you’re away or sleeping.
Consider adding attic insulation to prevent heat transfer. Proper insulation keeps cool air inside and hot air outside.
Check weatherstripping around doors and windows. Replace any that’s cracked or compressed to prevent cool air from escaping.
Clean refrigerator coils with a vacuum attachment. Dust-covered coils force your refrigerator to work harder, using more electricity and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Creating a structured approach to home upkeep helps prevent costly emergency repairs and extends the life of your plumbing services. A well-planned maintenance schedule ensures potential issues are caught early before they become major problems.
A detailed home maintenance checklist serves as your roadmap to a well-maintained property. We recommend organizing tasks by frequency: daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal.
For your plumbing system, include these essential items:
Break down your checklist by different areas of your home. This approach makes maintenance more manageable and less overwhelming.
Keep your checklist in a visible place or set digital reminders to ensure tasks don’t get forgotten. Many homeowners find success using a simple spreadsheet or dedicated home maintenance app like our Plumb Perfect Club.
Professional inspections catch problems that might escape notice during routine checks. We suggest scheduling comprehensive plumbing inspections at least twice yearly, ideally in spring and fall.
During summer months, pay special attention to:
These inspections help identify potential issues like pipe corrosion, small leaks, or inefficient fixtures before they worsen. Many plumbing companies offer maintenance plans that include regular inspections at discounted rates.
Document all inspection findings and repairs for future reference. This history creates a valuable record of your plumbing system’s condition and helps identify recurring problems that might need permanent solutions.
Staying on top of plumbing maintenance during the summer helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, wasted water, and expensive plumbing repairs. With increased water usage and outdoor activity, your home’s plumbing services need extra attention this season.
Following a thorough checklist, inside and out, ensures your systems stay efficient and reliable. From leak detection to sump pump testing, proactive care now means fewer headaches later.
Schedule your summer plumbing inspection today with Dr. Rooter and keep your home flowing stress-free all season long.
