6 Common Plumbing Issues That Occur in Summer

Summertime is here again, and for many, that means barbecues, swimming and outdoor activities galore. And, if last summer is anything to go by, being the record-breaker that it was, this summer may be a scorcher. You might be ready for the welcome summer heat and all the fun it brings — but is your home's plumbing ready?

During summer, your plumbing will need to be in optimal condition. Otherwise, it could encounter one of the following common summer issues.

1. Kitchen waste that clogs drains

Summertime heat and sunshine in Australia means barbecues and dinner parties. And, if you like to entertain guests at home, you'll likely be busy in the kitchen. Unfortunately, this means more food wastage. Some of that wastage occurs down your drains, no matter how much you try to avoid it.

And when combined with the grease that is common with barbecue and other summer foods, food debris can form fat bergs in your home's pipes. Inevitably, this leads to blockages.

2. Cyclone season that tests sewer lines

Are the sewer lines around your home free of blockages? Are you sure the pipes are in good condition? Summer brings storms and cyclones. This means more rainwater running through the sewer system. Some of the water can enter your home's sewer lines if the pipes are cracked or damaged in anyway. And if your sewer lines are already clogged, your home could flood.

If you aren't sure of the condition of the sewer lines on your property, hire a plumbing service to inspect them, and repair or replace the pipes if necessary.

3. Tree roots that invade your sewer lines

Like humans, trees also enjoy summer, experiencing growth and vitality. However, also just like humans, they require more water during the summer heat. As such, if trees don't have access to enough water in their immediate area, they may invade the sewer lines on your property in search of water. Combine this with a severe summer storm, and you have a potential flood on your hands.

4. Children and friends who overwork your toilets

School is out, and that means kids all over the country are about to put more strain on household toilets! Since you can't always monitor how much toilet paper your kids and their friends flush down the toilet, make sure your toilet is ready for the increase in activity.

5. Outdoor activities that fill the shower drains with dirt

Your shower drains will need to be clear of blockages if they are to deal with the influx of dirt and grime that comes from outdoor activities. Are your drains draining as quickly as they should? If not, you need a plumber to ensure that they are free of blockages.

Otherwise, the coming summer dirt and grime could lead to blockages that flood your bathroom and prevent you from showering during the summer.

6. Dirt and grime puts a strain on your washing machine

Just as your shower drains will see an increase in dirt, so too will your washing machine, and the pipes connected to it. More outdoor activity, some of it involving beaches and sand, means more washing loads along with an increased risk of blockages occurring. The added strain may also cause your washer to breakdown, leaving you without a means of washing dirty clothes.



If you aren't sure if your home's plumbing is ready for the increased activity this summer, consider hiring a professional plumbing service like S.P.K Plumbing & Civil to perform an inspection. With our expertise and experience, we can ensure your drains are ready for a busy but stress-free summer.