Alongside 90°F days and summer gatherings, the warm weather can also come with unique challenges for your Atlanta plumbing system. Changes in the weather can cause trees and vegetation to damage your pipes, while more guests and increased water use from activities like gardening can strain your water appliances. We’ll explore common summer plumbing problems for Georgia homes, as well as tips on how to prevent plumbing problems in summer and how a professional plumber can help.
Clogged Drains from Increased Household Activity
From summer guests to kids returning from school, more people at home means more strain on your drains. Increased food waste, soap, and hair can all lead to sluggish drains and plumbing clogs. While a busier household inevitably means a bit more plumbing action, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of clogged drains in summer:
- Use hair traps in showers and drain strainers in kitchen drains to reduce excess waste going down the drain.
- Never pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain, as these can quickly congeal and clog.
- Ask guests to avoid putting excess food waste down the drain or garbage disposal.
- Consider increasing your regular drain cleaning schedule to prevent build-ups.
If you find yourself facing a stubborn clog this summer, give us a call for professional drain cleaning and clog removal and we’ll have your plumbing flowing smoothly again.
Sewer Line Problems and Tree Root Intrusion
As the weather warms up in spring and summer, tree roots go searching for water — and their best solution may be your plumbing. Particularly for older sewer lines that may be prone to small cracks or moisture leakage at the joints, trees and plants can detect even the slightest moisture and will direct their roots towards it. From there, the roots will force the pipes open, leading to even bigger leaks and sometimes full sewer line breakage.
The best way to prevent tree root intrusion and sewer line issues in summer is with regular professional sewer line inspections. Your plumber can inspect the system with a state-of-the-art sewer line camera for a fast, non-disruptive way to detect potential issues before they become a problem, prolonging system life and minimizing the risk of sewer line repair or replacement.
Garbage Disposal Issues from Summer Cooking
Atlanta summer days are perfect for barbecues, but summer cooking can take a toll on your garbage disposal if too much barbecue finds its way down the drain. Some of the best ways to prevent summer garbage disposal problems include:
- Never putting oils, fats, bones, fruit and vegetable pits, or fibrous things like celery and corn husks down the drain.
- Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners that can damage garbage disposal seals.
- Running cold water while the garbage disposal is operating.
- Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal with ice cubes, salt, and cold water.
Water Heater Struggles with Higher Demand
Extra guests showering, laundry after hot summer days, a full dishwasher after hosting dinner — a busy summer means more water use, which can pose a struggle for your water heating system. Whether you’re looking for routine preventative maintenance like flushing the water heater or emergency water heater repairs to fix a breakdown, our team of professional plumbers is on hand to solve any summer water heater problems.
If you find your water heater is struggling to keep up with the demand, this may also be an opportunity to explore a more efficient water heater. Traditional water heaters are the best option if you run multiple water-based appliances at once, while tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water and you’ll never have to worry about running out. They’re also up to 34% more energy-efficient than traditional systems, which can be a great way to reduce your utility costs when water demands rise in summer.
Outdoor Plumbing Problems
Some winter plumbing problems don’t show themselves until summer, which is a common issue with outdoor plumbing. Pipes that have been damaged during a freeze can start to leak when you turn them on again in the summer, while higher water use from gardening and other outdoor activities can also increase the strain. Checking the hose bibs, replacing worn washers, and examining your outdoor faucets can help reduce the risk of problems with your outdoor plumbing.
How to Prevent Summer Plumbing Problems
The best way to prevent summer plumbing problems in your Atlanta home is through a mix of DIY cleaning and professional summer plumbing maintenance. A regular DIY drain cleaning routine using gentle cleaners helps keep your pipes clean and reduces the risk of clogs and other issues. However, even the best DIY cleaning can’t reach deep clogs or detect potential issues. That’s where the pros come in — a licensed plumber can safely clean drain and sewer lines, inspect all your plumbing systems, and detect potential issues before they turn into costly emergencies. It’s recommended to book a professional plumbing inspection at least once a year to keep your home plumbing in ideal condition.
Warning Signs You Need a Plumber This Summer
When common summer plumbing issues strike, it may not be obvious. Keep an eye out for these common signs that it’s time to call a professional plumber near you:
- Sluggish or blocked drains.
- Standing water around drains.
- Foul odors near showers, sinks, toilets, or in the basement.
- Patches of lush grass in the yard.
- Insect swarms around the outdoor sewage line or septic tank.
- Unexplained rising water bills.
Professional Plumbing Services in Atlanta for Summer Issues
If you’re facing a summer plumbing problem, the team at Chen Plumbing is here with quick and professional service. We offer a wide range of expert plumbing services in Atlanta, including:
- Routine drain cleaning
- Hydro-jetting services for stubborn drain and sewer clogs
- Sewer line repairs and replacements
- Garbage disposal repair and installation
- Traditional and tankless water heater services
- Plumbing inspections
- Water filtration systems
- Gas line services
- Emergency plumbing solutions
Schedule Your Summer Plumbing Inspection Today
Stay ahead of summer plumbing issues with a professional plumbing inspection. Our team at Chen Plumbing is made up of licensed plumbers who are highly experienced at serving the Atlanta area, so we know just what to expect from a Georgia summer and how to solve local plumbing challenges before they become an issue. Get a quote today for your next plumbing inspection or service and discover how Chen Plumbing can keep your home flowing smoothly all year round.
