Knoxville summers bring heat, cookouts, and more time at home. But that heat can mess with your plumbing. From clogged drains to pipe stress, small problems can sneak up fast if you’re not paying attention.
Here’s a breakdown of common plumbing issues during summer and how to take care of them.
1. Drains Get Clogged Faster
Summer means more activity in the kitchen and bathroom. Grease, food scraps, and sand from outdoor play can build up fast. If you notice slow draining or gurgling sounds, it might be time to clean your drains.
Fix It: Avoid pouring grease or food down the sink. Rinse off sand and dirt outdoors. If things back up, call a plumber for a drain clearing before it gets worse.
2. Low Water Pressure
More water use in the neighborhood, lawns, pools, sprinklers, can lead to pressure drops. But if only your house is affected, you could have a leak or buildup in your pipes.
Fix It: Check your outdoor fixtures and look for wet spots in the yard. A professional can test your system to find hidden leaks or mineral buildup.
3. Leaky Outdoor Faucets
Heat dries out rubber washers and causes metal to expand. This can lead to slow drips or running water outside.
Fix It: Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses. Replacing a washer or worn hose connection is a quick, inexpensive fix.
4. Water Heater Stress
Even when it’s hot outside, your water heater works year-round. Laundry, dishes, and showers keep it running. In Knoxville, hard water can build up fast, making the unit work harder and wear out faster.
Fix It: Flush your water heater once a year. If it’s older or making noises, have it inspected. A yearly tune-up helps keep things running well.
5. Sewer Line Backups
Rain and humidity can lead to tree root growth and shifting ground. This can put pressure on your sewer lines and cause backups, especially if your system is older.
Fix It: Don’t ignore odd smells or slow drains. A camera inspection can find the problem. Clearing roots or debris early can help avoid major repairs.
6. Washing Machine Overload
Summer means more laundry, kids’ clothes, towels, swimwear. That puts extra strain on your washing machine hoses and valves.
Fix It: Check hoses for cracks or bulges. Make sure the machine is level and connections are secure. Replacing old hoses with braided stainless steel ones can help prevent leaks.
7. Pipe Expansion and Leaks
Hot temperatures cause pipes to expand. Over time, this can loosen joints or cause small cracks. If you hear banging or hissing from your pipes, don’t ignore it.
Fix It: A plumber can check for weak spots and adjust pressure valves if needed. Catching it early keeps small problems from turning into big ones.
What You Can Do Now
Don’t wait until a pipe bursts or a drain backs up. Summer is the perfect time to schedule a plumbing checkup. At Hard Knox Plumbing, inspections include checking your water heater, drains, outdoor connections, and pressure.
Check more about our services here.
Want help before anything breaks? Call us today to set up a seasonal plumbing check. Fast, fair, and local, right here in Knoxville.
FAQ: Summer Plumbing Issues in Knoxville
How often should I schedule a plumbing inspection during the summer?
Once at the start of summer is good for most homes. If your plumbing is older or you’ve had problems before, a mid-season checkup might help avoid trouble.
Can extreme heat damage my underground plumbing?
Yes. Dry soil can shift and press on pipes underground. This extra stress can cause cracks, especially in older systems.
Why does my water smell bad in the summer?
If your water smells musty or like sulfur, bacteria may be growing in your water heater. Flushing the tank or replacing the anode rod can fix it.
What’s the best way to prevent clogs during summer gatherings?
Use drain screens, don’t pour grease down the sink, and avoid flushing wipes. Rinse sand or grass off outdoors.
Should I turn off the water if I leave town during summer?
Yes. Turning off the main water supply protects your home from leaks while you’re away. Use vacation mode on your water heater if available.