Summer Plumbing Pitfalls: Common Problems and How to Prevent Them

Summer is the season of BBQs, holidays, garden projects—and, unfortunately, a surprising number of plumbing problems. As temperatures rise and households get busier, your plumbing system can face extra strain without you even realising it.

At Miguel Lopez Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—from burst outdoor taps to holiday plumbing disasters. Here’s a breakdown of the most common summer plumbing pitfalls and how you can avoid them.

🌿 1. Leaky Outdoor Taps & Garden Hose Woes

With the hose in near-constant use for the garden or filling the paddling pool, outdoor taps take a beating during summer. Cracks from winter frost can go unnoticed until the first major use.

Signs to watch for:

• Dripping or spraying from joints

• Low pressure from a damaged washer

• Water pooling near the wall or ground

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🛠️ Prevention tip: Check taps and hoses for cracks or loose fittings. Use hose connectors with rubber washers and insulate outdoor taps for winter to avoid future issues.

🌳 2. Sewer Line Trouble from Tree Roots

Believe it or not, summer is prime time for tree roots to invade underground pipes. As roots seek moisture, they can squeeze into tiny cracks in sewer lines, causing blockages or slow drains.

Warning signs:

• Frequent toilet backups

• Gurgling drains

• A sudden patch of lush grass over your sewer line

  
  

🪓 Prevention tip: Have your sewer lines inspected, especially if your home has older clay or concrete pipes and large trees nearby.

🍔 3. Kitchen Sink Overload During Gatherings

Hosting a barbecue or garden party? Your kitchen sink might be working overtime. Grease, food scraps, and drinks all add up—and that can lead to a blocked or slow-draining sink.

Avoid this by:

• Scraping plates into the bin, not the sink

• Never pouring grease or oil down the drain

• Using a sink strainer to catch food particles

  
  

🥂 Party tip: Remind guests to be kind to your plumbing—especially if you're hosting a crowd!

✈️ 4. Holiday Plumbing Disasters

Heading away for a summer break? Great! But imagine coming home to a burst pipe or leak. Many issues happen while homeowners are away—and go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Before you go:

• Turn off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for more than a few days

• Ask a neighbour to check in if possible

• Run taps briefly to clear any stagnant water before leaving

  
  

🧱 5. Blocked Drains from Outdoor Fun

Kids running in and out, washing sandy feet, mowing the lawn—all of it increases the risk of drains getting clogged with dirt, grass, and debris.

Common trouble spots:

• Shower drains clogged with sand or hair

• Patio and driveway drains filled with grass cuttings or leaves

• Gully traps around the house becoming smelly or blocked

  
  

🧹 Prevention tip: Use drain guards inside and outside. Sweep driveways regularly and avoid rinsing heavy debris down household drains.

🌞 Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Summer Plumbing Surprises

A little bit of summer prep can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and frustrating breakdowns. Whether it’s a leaking tap or a blocked drain, early action is key.

At Miguel Lopez Plumbing, we offer expert inspections, repairs, and advice to keep your plumbing running smoothly all season long.

📞 Need a summer plumbing check-up? Contact us on 07576 558698 today and enjoy your summer without the stress.