When temperatures rise, most of us think about keeping the house cool, spending more time outdoors and making the most of the sunshine. What you might not consider is the effect that prolonged hot weather can have on your home’s plumbing.
While freezing winter temperatures are well known for causing burst pipes and other plumbing emergencies, very hot and dry weather can create its own set of problems. From increased water usage and blocked drains to changes in the ground surrounding underground pipes, summer can put additional pressure on your plumbing system.
Here are some of the most common hot weather plumbing problems to look out for and a few simple steps you can take to help prevent them.
Water consumption can increase considerably during warm weather. Gardens need watering, paddling pools are filled, showers become more frequent and outdoor taps get much more use.
This additional demand doesn’t necessarily cause a plumbing problem, but it can expose weaknesses that already exist within your system.
A small leak that previously went unnoticed, for example, can become much more apparent when water usage increases.
Keep an eye out for dripping taps, toilets that continually run, unexplained damp patches and unusually high water consumption.
One of the less obvious consequences of prolonged hot and dry weather is movement in the soil surrounding your property.
Some types of soil can shrink as they dry out. This ground movement can potentially place additional pressure on underground water and drainage pipes.
Older, already damaged or poorly installed pipes may be particularly vulnerable.
Warning signs of an underground plumbing or drainage problem can include unexplained reductions in water pressure, unusually wet areas of the garden, unpleasant smells and drains that suddenly become slow or repeatedly blocked.
Your outside tap might receive relatively little attention during winter but suddenly become one of the most frequently used parts of your plumbing during summer.
Regularly attaching and removing hosepipes, garden irrigation systems and pressure washers can highlight worn washers, loose fittings and leaking connections.
Check the area around your outside tap occasionally and don’t ignore persistent dripping. Even a relatively small leak can waste a surprising amount of water over time.
Summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining can be great fun, but they can also be bad news for your drains.
Cooking fats, oils and food waste should never be poured down the sink. Although grease may initially enter the drain as a liquid, it can cool and stick to the inside of the pipework, gradually contributing to a blockage.
The warmer months can also make unpleasant drain smells much more noticeable.
Dispose of fats and oils appropriately and avoid putting food scraps, coffee grounds and other unsuitable waste down your kitchen sink.
Summer is one of the most popular times of year for holidays, which means homes can be left unattended for days or even weeks.
Before you leave, spend a few minutes checking visible plumbing for leaks.
Look underneath sinks, around toilets, near your boiler or hot water cylinder and around appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
If you discover a leak before travelling, arrange for it to be repaired rather than hoping it will remain minor while you’re away.
It’s also useful to know where your property’s internal stopcock is located so that the water supply can quickly be turned off in an emergency.
If you notice a sudden or significant reduction in water pressure, particularly when the weather has been exceptionally hot and dry, it is worth investigating.
There are many possible causes, ranging from problems with an individual tap or shower to leaks or issues affecting the wider water supply.
If the problem occurs throughout your home and continues for an extended period, further investigation may be required.
Summer is a popular time for home improvements, including new bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor taps and garden projects.
Before drilling into walls or carrying out substantial work, make sure you know where water pipes and other services are located.
The same applies when carrying out major landscaping or digging in the garden, where underground water and drainage pipes may be present.
Accidentally damaging a pipe can quickly turn a straightforward summer DIY project into a plumbing emergency.
Hot weather can make existing drainage problems considerably more noticeable.
If a drain isn’t being used regularly, water within the trap can sometimes evaporate, potentially allowing unpleasant smells to enter the property.
Try running water through sinks, showers and other outlets that haven’t been used for some time.
Persistent sewage or drainage smells shouldn’t simply be masked with air fresheners. They can indicate a problem with the drainage system that needs investigating.
A few straightforward checks can help keep your plumbing in good condition throughout periods of hot weather:
Some minor plumbing jobs can be dealt with relatively easily, but problems involving persistent leaks, damaged pipes, repeated drain blockages or unexplained pressure loss may require professional attention.
You should also act quickly if you discover a significant water leak. Turn off the water supply where it is safe and practical to do so and contact a qualified plumber.
