From Your Local Experts at Platinum Plumbing & Heating
Summer in PA is a season full of sunshine, barbecues, and outdoor fun—but it can also bring unique challenges for your home’s plumbing system. At Platinum Plumbing & Heating, we want to make sure your system is running smoothly all season long, so you can focus on enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Here are some key summer plumbing tips, tricks, and facts to help you avoid issues and keep your home comfortable and efficient:
Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses for Winter Damage
If you haven’t turned on your outdoor spigots yet, now’s the time. After a long winter, those hose bibs and supply lines could have suffered freeze damage. A slow drip or hidden leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water and cause serious property damage if left unchecked.
Platinum Tip: Turn the faucet on and place your thumb over the opening. If water keeps flowing or pressure drops significantly, you might have a leak behind the wall.
Watch for Sewer Line Issues After Heavy Rain
Pennsylvania summers can bring intense thunderstorms and flash flooding, which puts extra pressure on your sewer lines—especially if your home is older or near large trees. Tree roots love to grow into cracked sewer lines in search of water, which can lead to nasty backups.
Signs to watch for:
- Gurgling sounds in toilets
- Water backing up into tubs or basement drains
- Foul smells near drains
Need help fast? Platinum’s team can perform a camera inspection and help you avoid a full-blown backup.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
Summer is grilling season —but some of those BBQ leftovers can be tough on your plumbing. Corn husks, watermelon rinds, bones, and greasy meat drippings can clog or damage your garbage disposal.
Platinum Reminder:
- Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
- Don’t dispose of fibrous vegetables or bones
- Do run cold water before and after using your disposal to flush it properly
Monitor Your Water Usage (and Your Bill)
Summer usually means more laundry, more showers, and more water use overall. You can reduce waste and control costs with a few simple changes:
- Water your lawn early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
If you notice a sudden spike in your water bill, it might be due to an undetected leak. Platinum offers leak detection services if you’re not sure where the problem lies.
Test Your Sump Pump Before the Next Storm
Many homes in PA rely on sump pumps to keep basements dry during summer downpours. If your pump fails, even a brief storm could cause costly water damage.
- Test it now: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. Your pump should turn on, pump the water out, and shut off automatically.
- Consider a battery backup system in case of power outages—Platinum can help with installation.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
If a pipe bursts or a major leak happens, you’ll need to act fast. Make sure you and everyone in your household knows where to find the main shutoff valve—usually located in the basement near the front wall of your home.
Label it clearly and keep the area around it accessible.
Call Platinum for Peace of Mind This Summer
At Platinum Plumbing & Heating, we’re proud to serve Montgomery County and surrounding areas with fast, honest, expert service. Whether you need a quick fix, a seasonal checkup, or emergency help, our team is here to keep your home comfortable and running smoothly all summer long.
Need help? Call or text us today!
We’re your neighbors, and we treat your home like it’s our own.
Platinum Plumbing & Heating – Reliable. Respectful. Ready when you need us.
