Summer is a busy season for homeowners. Kids are home from school, guests are visiting, outdoor activities increase, and water usage often reaches its highest levels of the year. While most people focus on keeping their air conditioners running, many common plumbing problems tend to appear during the summer months as well.
The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented with a little awareness and routine maintenance. Here are five of the most common summer plumbing problems South Jersey homeowners face—and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Clogged Garbage Disposals
Summer cookouts, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues often mean more food waste finding its way into the kitchen sink.
Unfortunately, garbage disposals are not designed to handle everything.
Common summer culprits include:
- Corn husks
- Watermelon rinds
- Celery
- Grease and cooking oils
- Fruit pits
- Pasta and rice
These items can cause clogs, jams, and even damage to the disposal unit.
How to Prevent It
Only place disposal-safe food scraps into your garbage disposal and avoid pouring grease down the drain. Running cold water while using the disposal can also help prevent buildup.
2. Outdoor Faucet and Hose Bib Leaks
Many homeowners don’t use their outdoor faucets much during the winter. Once summer arrives and hoses, sprinklers, and pressure washers are put back into service, hidden damage often becomes apparent.
Leaks may develop due to:
- Cracked hose bibs
- Worn washers
- Freeze damage from the previous winter
- Loose connections
Even a small leak can waste a surprising amount of water and increase your utility bill.
How to Prevent It
Inspect outdoor faucets at the start of the season and look for dripping, corrosion, or reduced water pressure. Addressing small issues early can prevent more expensive repairs later.
3. Sewer Line Backups
Summer storms can place additional stress on sewer systems, especially in older homes.
Tree roots are also more active during warmer months and can infiltrate underground sewer lines, leading to slow drains, backups, and unpleasant odors.
Common warning signs include:
- Multiple slow drains
- Gurgling toilets
- Sewage odors
- Water backing up into tubs or showers
How to Prevent It
Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, and other non-flushable items. If your home has experienced sewer issues before, a professional sewer line inspection may help identify problems before they become emergencies.
4. Hidden Water Leaks and High Water Bills
Many homeowners are surprised when their water bill increases during the summer.
While some increase is normal due to outdoor watering and higher usage, a sudden spike can indicate a hidden leak.
Common sources include:
- Running toilets
- Dripping faucets
- Irrigation system leaks
- Underground water line leaks
- Outdoor spigot leaks
How to Prevent It
Monitor your monthly water bills and investigate sudden increases. If your usage seems unusually high, professional leak detection can help locate hidden problems before they cause significant damage.
5. Water Heater Problems
Many people assume water heaters work less during the summer, but that’s not always the case.
With kids home from school, houseguests visiting, vacations, laundry, and additional showers, water heaters often see increased demand during the summer months.
Signs of trouble include:
- Inconsistent hot water
- Strange noises
- Rust-colored water
- Water leaks around the tank
- Rising energy costs
How to Prevent It
Routine water heater maintenance can help remove sediment buildup, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your system.
Why Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Matters
Most plumbing emergencies don’t happen without warning. Small issues often develop gradually before turning into larger, more expensive repairs.
Routine maintenance can help:
- Prevent unexpected breakdowns
- Reduce water waste
- Lower utility bills
- Extend the life of plumbing fixtures
- Protect your home from water damage
A little preventative care can save homeowners significant time, stress, and money throughout the year.
Trust BMB & Sons for Your Summer Plumbing Needs
At BMB & Sons, we help South Jersey homeowners keep their plumbing systems running smoothly all year long. Whether you’re dealing with a leaking outdoor faucet, a clogged drain, a water heater issue, or a hidden leak, our experienced team is here to help.
As a family-owned and operated company, we’re committed to providing honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and dependable service you can trust.
If you’re experiencing a plumbing issue or would like to schedule preventative maintenance, contact BMB & Sons today.
