How to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Heatwave

Heatwaves in the UK are becoming more frequent and intense, putting added pressure on our homes—and our plumbing systems are no exception. While frozen pipes are a winter concern, extreme heat can also lead to costly issues if you’re not prepared.

At Miguel Lopez Plumbing, we want to help you stay cool, conserve water, and keep your plumbing running smoothly during high temperatures. Here's how to prepare your home for the next heatwave.

1. Watch for Water Pressure Drops

During heatwaves, local water demand skyrockets as more people use sprinklers, fill pools, and take extra showers. This can lead to noticeably lower water pressure in your home.

If you notice a sudden drop in pressure, check if your neighbours are experiencing the same issue. If it’s just your property, it could indicate a localised problem such as a partially closed valve or an early leak.

Prevention tip: Install a pressure regulator and check that your stopcock is fully open. If pressure issues persist, a professional inspection can help uncover the cause.

2. Be Prepared for Drought and Hosepipe Bans

A prolonged heatwave often leads to drought conditions and hosepipe bans. That means no garden sprinklers, pool filling, or pressure washing. However, with some planning, you can still keep things ticking along.

Smart strategies include:

• Collecting rainwater in water butts before the heatwave hits

• Using greywater (from baths or washing machines) for garden watering

• Choosing drought-resistant plants for your garden

  
  

Bonus tip: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

3. Protect Pipework from Heat Exposure

Just like freezing temperatures can damage pipes, extreme heat can cause thermal expansion—especially in exposed outdoor or loft pipes. Over time, this pressure can lead to warping, leaks, or even bursts.

What to do:

• Insulate exposed pipes with foam lagging—even in summer

• Check for cracks in outdoor or loft pipework

• If you have an older property, consider a professional review of your system

  
  

4. Give Your Water Heater a Break

In hot weather, your demand for hot water may decrease, but your water heater still works unless you adjust it. This can waste energy and strain your system unnecessarily.

Tips to stay energy-smart:

• Turn your water heater down a few degrees during hot months

• Consider switching it off when you’re away on holiday

• If it’s older than 10 years, now is a good time to consider a more efficient model

  
  

5. Use Water-Efficient Fixtures and Habits

With everyone in the household likely showering more and using more water generally, summer is a great time to upgrade to eco-friendly plumbing fixtures and review your water habits.

Easy eco-fixes include:

• Installing low-flow showerheads and tap aerators

• Limiting shower times to under 5 minutes

• Running dishwashers and washing machines only when full

  
  

These changes can make a big difference not only in your bill, but in your environmental impact.

6. Plan Ahead If You’re Going on Holiday

If you're heading away during a heatwave, it’s important to prepare your plumbing before you go. Leaks or heat-related pipe problems can become much worse if left unattended.

Before leaving:

• Turn off your main water supply (especially for longer trips)

• Check for any leaks or drips and fix them in advance

• Ask a neighbour to pop in and run the taps once or twice to keep things moving

You’ll come home to peace of mind instead of a plumbing nightmare.

✅ Stay Safe, Stay Cool—and Stay Prepared

While you’re enjoying sunny days, BBQs, and garden fun, don’t forget that heatwaves can quietly stress your plumbing system. A few simple steps now can prevent major issues later.

At Miguel Lopez Plumbing, we offer seasonal check-ups, leak detection, and eco-friendly upgrades to keep your home safe and efficient in any weather.

📞 Give us a call today on 07576 558698 to book a summer inspection or get personalised advice on preparing your home for the heat!