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Originally Posted On: https://www.beehiveplumbing.com/how-does-hot-weather-impact-your-residential-plumbing-system/

 

This summer’s heat bubble has been relentless, so here are some tips to protect your residential plumbing system in northern Utah!

Extreme weather changes don’t just impact your physical and mental health, because they can also impact your residential plumbing system as well.

Most homeowners in northern Utah understand the plumbing risks associated with our freezing cold winters, but not quite as many people are generally aware of the plumbing risks associated with summer heat waves.

This summer has been excruciatingly hot and it’s looking like the heat bubble will continue throughout the next few months, so it’s crucial to be prepared in terms of how to deal with plumbing emergencies and other repairs as they arise!

How Exactly Do Summer Heat Waves Affect Your Residential Plumbing System?

When temperatures get abnormally high, it can cause the core structure of a home’s metal pipes to expand. This subsequently puts the pipes at risk of breaking or malfunctioning, and this is especially a problem for older pipes.

Any plumbing components that are exposed to direct sunlight will also be put at risk of experiencing significant UV damages during intense summer heat waves as well. Although these negative effects may not be immediately noticeable, they’ll eventually lead to premature deterioration and plumbing system degradation. The best way to protect your home’s exposed pipes from UV rays is to wrap them with protective insulation.

Summer heat waves can also loosen up the soil from underneath your property, which could potentially lead to inadvertent settling. This is particularly a problem with homes that are built on a slab, and this type of soil settling can sometimes lead to pipe bursts and slab leaks. If neglected, these plumbing issues can cause a home’s foundation to collapse!

Common Residential Plumbing Issues Caused Be Extreme Summer Weather

There are many different plumbing issues that can arise this time of year during intense heat waves, and below is a brief list of some of the most common problems your plumbing system may experience this summer:

Leaks

All sorts of issues can cause pipe leaks, and hot weather is one of them. Extremely high temperatures cause pipes to expand, which puts them in jeopardy of developing cracks that subsequently lead to leaks. Most households tend to use more water during the summer, which can often put an added amount of pressure on a home’s plumbing system and cause leaks to occur.

Although homeowners can’t do much but wrap their exterior pipes with insulation when it comes to avoiding this unwanted pipe expansion, you can reduce your overall water usage on the hottest days of the year to give your plumbing system a little break. This includes not using multiple water sources at the same time to limit the amount of plumbing pressure within your home.

Some common warning signs of plumbing leaks include:

• Stains
• Damp spots
• Mold growth
• Bulges on ceilings and walls
• Abnormally high water bills

The very best way to verify whether or not your home is experiencing a plumbing leak is to turn off your main water supply and then check your property’s water meter. If the meter is still running, it’s an indication that you have a leak on your hands.

Low Water Pressure

This plumbing issue isn’t always associated with extreme hot weather, but it’s a common complaint that homeowners have during the summer months.

Many low water pressure issues in the summer are connected to hidden plumbing leaks, but sometimes low water pressure in the summertime is connected to increased household water usage.

Tree Root Infiltration

We all know how summer is the peak season for plant growth and development, and this is the time of year when plants require plenty of nutrients (including water).

Your property’s soil will have a lower water content during extreme heat waves like we’re currently experiencing, and this will cause your trees to spread their roots further underground and in the direction of the nearest water source. Your home’s pipes are often the nearest water source for your trees, and there are plenty of scenarios in which tree roots will infiltrate pipes through even the tiniest of spaces.

Once a tree root infiltrates your plumbing system, it can wreak havoc throughout your property. This can include slow drains, clogs, sewer backups, and complete drain blockages!

Protect Your Home’s Plumbing System This Summer Via Preventative Maintenance & Inspections

It can be difficult to prevent the plumbing risks associated with summer heat waves completely, but you can significantly reduce the likelihood of requiring plumbing repairs by having your property thoroughly inspected by our Master Plumbers.

It’s also a good idea to have your drains cleaned during the summer months to avoid any bigger problems and more costly repairs later in the year!

Contact The Beehive Plumbing Team To Protect Your Residential Plumbing System This Summer!

All of us at Beehive Plumbing have been very busy this summer, and we understand how northern Utah homeowners are currently concerned about how the ongoing heat wave will impact their plumbing systems.

You can always count on our Master Plumbers to be there for you and your property when you need us for maintenance and repair appointments of all types, and you can contact us online or call us at 801-661-8155 to schedule your next appointment today!