A typical Arizona summer is relentless. Increased water demand, monsoon storms, and triple-digit temperatures join forces to make your home’s plumbing system work hard. Getting ready in advance makes sense if you want to prevent unexpected emergencies, wasted water, and costly repairs. Knowing what to check helps ensure your plumbing system is prepared for another intense summer.
Inspect Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Bibs
Outdoor plumbing components take a real beating during an Arizona summer. Sun exposure, extreme heat, and sudden temperature shifts can weaken spigots, hoses, and irrigation lines. Start your summer preparations by inspecting all hose bibs for corrosion, cracks, and small leaks. Over time, even a slow drip can waste substantial water, driving up your utility bills.
Check your garden hoses for both soft spots and brittleness. Splits can happen after heat degrades rubber. Replace any worn washers you find to ensure all the connections are tight. If your home has an irrigation system, run every zone and look for uneven spray patterns, leaks, or clogged spray heads.
While the weather is nice in spring, consider installing insulated hose bib covers if you have exposed plumbing lines. Arizona is primarily known for heat, but seasonal cold snaps and desert nights can still create stress on pipes weakened by summer conditions.
Evaluate Your Water Heater Performance
Your water heater works all year long; yet, summer is a time of unique challenges for it. Arizona has a lot of hard water, and the resulting sediment buildup can reduce unit efficiency. Now is a good time to schedule water heater maintenance if you haven’t had it flushed in the last 12 months. Rumbling or popping sounds can indicate sediment accumulation. You should also inspect the area around the tank for moisture, corrosion, or rust.
Many Arizona homeowners turn their water heater thermostat down during the summer, if only slightly. Try setting it at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to see if that temperature is still comfortable for your household. That setting can lower energy costs and reduce seasonal strain on the system. If your water heater is eight to 10 years old or older, consider a professional evaluation rather than risking a unit failure. A high-efficiency model will provide more reliable hot water while reducing your monthly utility bills.
Check for Hidden Leaks and Slab Issues
Dry soil conditions are common throughout Arizona, and they can shift in the middle of monsoon season. When soil expands and contracts, it puts pressure on slab foundations and underground pipes. Small leaks might develop without any obvious warning signs, but there are things you can look for. Monitor your water bill for any sudden increases. You might have a hidden leak if you hear running water when all your fixtures are off. Check floors and walls for damp areas, cracks, or warm spots. Early detection is vital because a slab leak can cause structural damage; if left untreated, repairs can become expensive. A professional can provide leak detection services and pinpoint issues while they’re still mild and manageable.
Examine Drainage and Sewer Lines
When any summer storm rolls in, it can overwhelm drainage systems. Run water through your home’s showers, tubs, and sinks to ensure your drains flow freely. Slow drainage might indicate partial clogs or buildup.
Your outdoor cleanouts need to be both accessible and free of any debris. If your home has mature landscaping, you might have a beautiful yard, but you also risk tree roots infiltrating sewer lines in search of moisture. A professional camera inspection can identify pipe damage and root intrusions.
Preventive drain cleaning reduces the chance of a messy backup happening during a monsoon downpour. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners whenever possible because they can degrade your plumbing over time. For a safer, more effective option, professional plumbers can clean your plumbing using modern methods like hydro-jetting.
Test Water Pressure and Pressure Regulators
Check the water pressure in your home. You can do this with a pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot. The ideal range is 40 to 60 psi. If your pressure exceeds 60 psi, you may need a plumber to adjust or replace your pressure valve.
High water pressure strains plumbing components and makes leaks more likely. Municipal pressure levels can fluctuate in many Arizona communities in the summer months due to increased water demand. Excessive pressure, left unchecked over time, can shorten the lifespan of faucets, water heaters, and appliances. A professional will check your pressure valve and will replace it or make adjustments as necessary.
Inspect Toilets and Fixtures for Efficiency
Water conservation is particularly important in the Grand Canyon State, given the desert climate. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank to check for silent leaks; if color shows up in the bowl without any flushing, you might need to replace the flapper. Since even a minor leak can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, also inspect showerheads and faucets for drips. WaterSense-labeled fixtures can reduce your household water usage without compromising functionality and performance. Consider replacing older toilets with newer, more efficient models if you notice inconsistent flushing or frequent clogs. Today’s modern designs use less water while maintaining performance.
Protect Pipes From Extreme Heat
Freezing isn’t a concern in summer, but extreme heat also impacts plumbing. Pipes exposed in attics, garages, or exterior walls might contract and expand significantly, weakening joints and fittings. Reduce temperature stress by insulating exposed pipes. Consider repiping options if your home has older piping materials. Replacing galvanized steel with copper or PEX helps your home withstand temperature fluctuations better.
Prepare for Increased Household Water Use
Summer can mean kids home from school, increased outdoor watering, and more guests. This additional demand can strain a plumbing system, so space out high-water-usage activities whenever possible, such as showers and laundry. Inspect your washing machine hoses for cracks or bulges. Consider adding durability by replacing rubber hoses with braided stainless steel options.
Check your home’s main shutoff valve to ensure smooth operation. Knowing how to shut off the water quickly can prevent serious damage if you have a major leak or a burst pipe.
Stay Ahead of Summer Plumbing Problems
Summer conditions in Arizona can push a residential plumbing system to its limits. From increased water use to extreme heat and monsoon storms, a multitude of factors can cause clogs, leaks, and unexpected breakdowns. Professional service makes all the difference when you want peace of mind about your home’s plumbing. We offer plumbing services to homeowners in Tucson and the surrounding areas. This includes drain services, water treatment, and both tankless and tank water heater solutions.
Schedule your summer plumbing inspection with Cal’s Plumbing today to get your home prepared for another Tucson, AZ summer.
