Summertime in Florida means more than just beach trips, backyard barbecues, and afternoon thunderstorms. It also means your home’s plumbing system is under extra pressure. From heavier water usage to the stress of summer storms, plumbing issues are more likely to pop up during the warmer months. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented with a little awareness and routine maintenance. Here are five of the biggest summer plumbing problems Florida homeowners face, plus some practical tips to avoid having to call us for plumbing services in North Port.
1. Sewer Line Backups
Few plumbing problems are more unpleasant than a sewer line backup. Unfortunately, Florida’s summer storms often trigger them. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems, forcing water and waste back into your home’s drains.
Warning signs include: gurgling sounds in your drains, foul odors coming from sinks or tubs, and multiple drains clogging at once.
Prevention tip: Avoid flushing wipes, grease, or anything else that doesn’t break down easily.
2. Clogged Toilets
Summer often brings kids home from school, as well as houseguests visiting. With more use, toilets are more likely to clog. While an occasional clog is normal, frequent blockages can indicate more significant issues in your pipes or sewer system.
Warning signs include: constant plunging, slow flushes, or water rising higher than normal in the bowl.
Prevention tip: Remind kids and guests that only toilet paper should be flushed. Keep trash cans nearby for wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products. If clogs keep coming back, schedule a professional inspection with our team.
3. Garbage Disposal Jams
Backyard cookouts and holiday gatherings are great, but they’re also tough on your garbage disposal. Grease, bones, corn husks, and watermelon rinds are just a few of the culprits that can jam or damage your system.
Warning signs include: a humming disposal that won’t grind, foul smells, or standing water in the sink.
Prevention tip: Never put grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods down the drain. If your disposal jams frequently, it may be time for an upgrade.
4. Outdoor Faucet and Hose Leaks
Summer means more outdoor activity, and with all that use, outdoor faucets and hose bibs are prone to leaks. Even small drips can waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your utility bills.
Warning signs include: puddles around your foundation, a constantly dripping faucet, or water spraying from hose connections.
Prevention tip: Inspect outdoor faucets regularly, replace worn washers, and tighten loose fittings. If a leak doesn’t stop, call a plumber before it gets worse. A quick repair now could save you money all summer long.
5. Water Heater Strain
Water heaters often struggle in summer due to extra laundry and showers. Older water heaters may not be able to keep up with the demand, leaving you with lukewarm showers at the worst possible time.
Warning signs include: inconsistent water temperature, strange popping noises, or water pooling around the tank.
Prevention tip: Schedule water heater maintenance, which helps efficiency. If your unit is more than 10 years old, consider an upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model before it fails completely.
Summer plumbing problems are common in Florida, but they don’t have to interrupt your fun—or drain your wallet. With a little prevention and timely maintenance, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly no matter how hot or stormy the season gets.
It’s No Sweat: Call Bayonet! Contact Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule plumbing services in North Port, FL today!