Top 5 summer plumbing maintenance tips

It may not feel like it this year, but summer is well and truly upon us.

However, even with lower-than-average temperatures and plenty of rainy days, it’s still important to ensure you keep up with annual maintenance on your plumbing system.

So, before you start Googling when the weather is (finally) going to get warmer or book a last-minute holiday, you should focus on making sure your home’s plumbing system is in tip-top condition.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry!

Our experts here at Total Pipeline Systems are here to share their top summer plumbing maintenance tips in this article.

Why is summer plumbing maintenance so important?

Maintaining your home’s plumbing system is important year-round, but some people find they run into more problems at certain points in the year – with summer being one of them.

Seeing as we all use way more water in the warmer months, be it for washing the car, hosing off after a beach trip, or filling up the paddling pool and considering the temperature fluctuations, this really is no surprise.

Increased water usage and changes in temperatures can put a huge strain on your plumbing system, often leading to low water pressure and more wear and tear, as well as blocked, leaking, and ruptured pipes.

Repairing and replacing water pipes, or other parts of your plumbing system, can be pricey, so if you want to avoid an expensive bill from your plumber, regular maintenance is non-negotiable.

How can I maintain my home’s plumbing system this summer?

Maintaining your plumbing system is easier than you might think and there are many things you can do to ensure it’s in the best condition.

Just some of them include:

1.    Looking out for leaks

With leaks being all the more likely in the summer months, it’s important to make sure that you’re on the lookout for any leaks.

There are several indicators that there’s a leak somewhere within your plumbing system, from low water pressure and higher water bills to damp or discoloured patches on your ceiling, walls, or floors.

If you notice any of these signs and suspect you have leaky pipes on your hands, you can start by checking high-risk areas, like under sinks, around toilets, and behind other water appliances.

Once you’ve detected the source of the leak, you should call a professional to resolve the issue as soon as possible, to avoid more expensive repairs and replacements down the line.

2.    Keeping an eye on the water pressure

Low water pressure is a surefire sign that there’s a problem with your plumbing system.

This issue is usually caused by excessive water usage, corroded pipes, and clogged water pipes – among other things – and once you’ve pinpointed the cause, you should contact a plumber to get your system back on the mend as soon as possible.

3.    Cleaning your gutters and downspouts

During the colder months, your plumbing system can really take a hit. Especially your gutters and downspouts.

Fallen leaves, twigs, moss, and other seasonal debris can build up quickly and cause a blockage, rendering your gutters useless come summertime. That is, of course, if you neglect maintenance.

With frequent summer downpours and increased water usage, it’s vital to ensure that your gutters are clear of any debris and that they can perform their role of diverting water away from your property effectively.

4.    Inspecting outdoor taps and hoses

From watering the plants to washing the car, we use our outdoor taps much more in summer and their importance shouldn’t be underestimated.

Leaking outdoor taps, for example, is just one of the most common issues.

Not only does this waste water, but it can also lead to an array of other problems, including soil erosion and landscaping difficulties.

So, before you fill up your watering can or washing up bowl, make sure you inspect the pipes and the tap itself for leaks and any other signs of wear and tear and repair accordingly.

5.    Avoiding clogs

Clogged pipes are inevitable and bound to crop up at some point.

However, there are some things you can do to avoid them and keep your plumbing system up and running – including regular drain cleanings and watching what you’re pouring into the sink and flushing down the toilet.

Need more expert advice?

Whether you’re in need of more expert tips or you’re looking to upgrade parts of your plumbing system, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Here at Total Pipeline Systems, we stock a range of high-quality plumbing parts – including water pipes, fittings, and accessories – to help you build an effective plumbing system for your home.

To find out more or for additional advice, you’re more than welcome to get in touch with our team – either give us a call or email us at sales@totalpipes.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions!