When the summer heat hits, most people are thinking about beach trips and barbecues—not burst pipes or slow-draining sinks. But while the warmer months may seem harmless to your home’s plumbing, they can bring many hot weather plumbing issues that catch many homeowners off guard.
From changes in water pressure to clogged drains, understanding how the heat affects your plumbing system can help you avoid unexpected repairs and costly water damage. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common summer plumbing problems and the preventative measures you can take to keep your system running smoothly.
Need an emergency plumber to take a closer look? Citywide Plumbers offers expert inspections, emergency repairs, and seasonal servicing to ensure your plumbing stays trouble-free all summer.
Call us on 020 3892 8545 or drop us an email at info@citywideplumbers.co.uk today!
Stay ahead of summer plumbing and heating issues with Citywide Plumbers. From low water pressure to seasonal maintenance, our expert team keeps your home running smoothly.
1. Pipe Expansion And Stress
One of the most direct impacts of summer heat is the expansion of pipes. As temperatures rise, pipes—especially metal ones—expand slightly. Older or poorly maintained systems can strain joints and seals, leading to leaks or bursts over time.
This becomes more of a concern when the system undergoes frequent temperature changes, such as hot days followed by cooler evenings. Regular maintenance and inspections can identify weak spots before they become full-blown failures.
2. Low Pressure From High Demand
During warmer months, water usage increases significantly. Whether watering the garden, washing the car, or filling the paddling pool, demand on the water supply rises across the board. This can lead to low water pressure in summer, particularly in neighbourhoods with older infrastructure or shared supply lines.
Notice a decrease in the flow of water, especially during peak hours. It might not just be a municipal issue but also indicate internal restrictions or sediment build-up in your system that worsens with heavy use.
3. Increased Risk of Blocked Drains
With summer comes garden gatherings, barbecues, and more indoor-outdoor traffic—all of which can contribute to clogged drains. Cooking grease, food waste, and outdoor debris can quickly block kitchen and bathroom drains, especially when water usage is high.
The summer heat can cause fats and oils to pour down the sink, solidifying faster inside pipes and creating stubborn blockages. To prevent these common summer plumbing issues, avoid putting grease or fibrous foods down the drain and use filters to catch debris.
4. Strain On Water Heaters
It might seem odd, but water heaters don’t get a break in the summer. Water heaters can experience increased strain due to showers, laundry, and general household demand. If your system is older or hasn’t had a regular inspection, it may begin to show signs of wear.
The hot weather also causes sediment at the bottom of tanks to harden, reducing efficiency and potentially causing overheating. Keeping your heater flushed and checked helps ensure it performs well, even in summer.
5. Shifting Ground And Pipe Movement
Heat can cause the ground to expand or dry out, which may lead to minor shifts in soil. This isn’t usually a dramatic event, but even small movements can affect underground pipes—especially if they’re older or poorly supported.
This can result in leaks, misaligned connections, or broken pipes beneath driveways or gardens.
Such plumbing issues are complex to detect until they become severe, so early signs like patchy damp spots or water pressure drops should not be ignored.
6. Exposure Of Outdoor Plumbing
Summer pipe maintenance should also include checking outdoor taps, hoses, and irrigation lines, which are more exposed to hot weather than indoor plumbing. UV rays and heat can wear down rubber washers and cause materials to become brittle or crack.
Leaks in outdoor plumbing often go unnoticed, but over time, they can cause significant water waste and even raise your water bill. Look for pooling water or drips around fittings and ensure everything is properly insulated and secured.
7. Cracking Or Drying Out Of Seals
Just like tyres or window seals, plumbing seals are vulnerable to heat. The summer heat can cause rubber components like washers, gaskets, and O-rings to dry out and crack. Once these seals are compromised, leaks are almost inevitable.
These failures are commonly seen in older taps, garden hoses, or appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Adding a regular inspection of seals and fittings into your summer plumbing routine is a smart way to catch minor issues before they lead to water damage.
8. High Water Usage = Higher Pressure on the System
More showers, laundry, and outdoor water play put extra pressure on your system. Even if you’re not experiencing low water pressure, the constant demand can wear down pumps, pipes, and valves faster.
Over time, this can result in plumbing problems like internal pipe wear or unexpected leaks. If your household experiences a noticeable jump in water usage, it’s worth checking for hidden leaks or outdated components that need upgrading.
Contact Citywide Plumbers for support
Citywide Plumbers: We Help Keep You Cool With Smart Summer Plumbing
While summer brings sunshine and longer days, it also introduces unique stresses on your plumbing system. Knowing how the heat can impact your home, from blocked drains to low water pressure, helps you take proactive steps and avoid surprise breakdowns.
For thorough seasonal inspections, emergency plumbing, or just expert advice, Citywide Plumbers is your go-to team.
With years of experience managing hot weather plumbing issues, we’re here to help you enjoy a worry-free summer with reliable water flow, lower bills, and fewer disruptions.
Contact us today for expert heating services!