Abilene summers bring triple-digit heat, drought conditions, and dramatically increased water usage from irrigation and outdoor activities. These conditions put unique stress on your plumbing system that many homeowners do not anticipate. Summer is actually the busiest season for plumbers in the Big Country because the heat creates problems that do not occur at other times of the year.
Drought and Your Sewer Line
Your sewer line faces increased risk during summer drought. The expansive clay soil throughout Taylor County and the Big Country shrinks significantly during dry periods, pulling away from your sewer pipes. This soil movement can cause pipe joints to separate, creating cracks that allow tree roots to enter and block the line. If your yard has mature trees near the sewer line path, summer drought is when root intrusion problems are most likely to begin.
Irrigation and Backflow Prevention
Irrigation systems put your backflow preventer to the test. Summer is when your sprinkler system runs the most, and that means more opportunities for backflow events that could contaminate your drinking water. Make sure your backflow prevention assembly has been tested within the last 12 months as required by TCEQ. If you notice your irrigation system losing pressure or if your backflow preventer is dripping excessively, have it inspected promptly.
Protect Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals work overtime during summer with increased entertaining, cookouts, and fresh produce. Corn husks, watermelon rinds, fibrous vegetables, and cooking grease from outdoor grilling are the top disposal killers in summer. Never put fibrous or stringy materials down the disposal, and always run cold water for 30 seconds after using it to flush debris through the drain line.
Summer Strain on Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in summer than you might expect. While the incoming water temperature is warmer, which reduces heating demand, increased household water usage from guests, more frequent showers, and extra laundry means the unit cycles more often. If your water heater is aging, the added summer demand can push it past its breaking point. A water heater failure during a July heat wave in Abilene is particularly miserable.
Check Outdoor Connections for Leaks
Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation connections are under constant use in summer. Check for leaks at every connection — a dripping hose bib or a leaking irrigation valve can waste hundreds of gallons per week and drive up your water bill during the months when usage is already at its peak. Tighten loose connections, replace worn washers, and repair any underground irrigation leaks before they become worse.
Prepare for Summer Storms
Heavy thunderstorms, while welcome for the moisture, can overwhelm older drain systems and cause sewer backups. If your home has floor drains in the garage or laundry room, make sure they are clear of debris and draining freely. Backwater valves can prevent storm-related sewer backups from entering your home through the lowest drains.
Total Quality Plumbing provides all of these services for homeowners throughout Abilene, Clyde, Merkel, Tuscola, Sweetwater, and the Big Country. Whether you need a backflow test, garbage disposal repair, sewer line inspection, or water heater service, call (325) 266-4887 for honest pricing and professional service.