Summer Plumbing Tips for Amarillo Homes

Summer in Amarillo means scorching heat, backyard barbecues, and kids running in and out of the house all day. But while you’re cooling off with iced tea, your plumbing is working harder than ever. Extra showers, more laundry, and constant use of outdoor faucets can put a serious strain on your pipes. The last thing you need is a plumbing problem turning your summer into a stressful mess.

The good news is a little attention now can help you avoid big repairs later. Here’s everything Amarillo homeowners should know to keep their plumbing in top shape during the hottest months of the year.

Need a trusted plumber? Call Plumbing Amarillo TX for fast & reliable service.

1. Keep an Eye on Slab Leaks

Amarillo’s summer heat doesn’t just make you sweat, it affects your home, too. The dry soil can shift and crack, putting stress on the foundation and the pipes running under it. This can lead to slab leaks, which are no small issue.

How to Spot a Slab Leak:

Higher-than-normal water bills
Warm spots on your floor
The sound of running water when no fixtures are on
Damp or moldy areas inside your home

Ignoring a slab leak is like ignoring a check engine light, it’s only going to get worse. If you suspect a problem, call a plumber right away before it leads to foundation damage.

2. Be Gentle with Your Garbage Disposal

Summer means cookouts, fresh fruit, and cold drinks. But your garbage disposal isn’t built to handle everything you throw at it. Certain foods can clog or damage the blades, leading to a smelly, broken mess.

Foods to Avoid Putting Down the Disposal:

❌ Watermelon rinds
❌ Corn husks
❌ Grease or cooking oil
❌ Chicken bones
❌ Coffee grounds

Pro Tip: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. This helps flush out food particles and prevents buildup.

3. Inspect Your Sprinkler System

Your lawn needs extra water during the summer, but a leaky sprinkler system can waste hundreds of gallons a month. Broken heads, underground leaks, or clogged nozzles can quietly drive up your water bill.

What to Check:

✔ Sprinkler heads: Are they spraying evenly?
✔ Puddles in the yard: Could be a hidden leak.
✔ Pressure changes: Weak or sputtering sprays could mean a clog.

If you notice a problem, fix it quickly before your yard turns into a swamp, or worse, you end up with a sky-high water bill.

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4. Give Your Water Heater a Summer Break

It’s hot outside, so why is your water heater still working overtime? The extra showers, laundry, and dishwashing in summer can put more strain on it than you think.

How to Keep Your Water Heater Running Efficiently:

✔ Lower the temperature to 120°F to save energy.
✔ Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup.
✔ Check for leaks around the base, small drips can turn into big problems.

If your water heater is over 10 years old, start thinking about a replacement before it decides to quit on the hottest day of the year.

5. Don’t Ignore Sewer Line Issues

Tree roots love summer just as much as we do. The heat makes them grow faster, and if they find a tiny crack in your sewer line, they’ll wiggle their way in. Over time, this can cause clogs, backups, and some pretty nasty smells.

Signs You Might Have a Sewer Problem:

Gurgling noises from your drains
Slow-moving water in sinks or tubs
Bad smells coming from your drains
Patches of grass that are extra green and lush (could be a leaking sewer line)

If you notice any of these warning signs, call a plumber before it turns into a full-blown backup.

6. Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

When was the last time you looked at your outdoor faucets? Many people don’t realize they have a slow leak until they see their water bill skyrocket. A small drip can waste gallons of water every day.

Quick Check:

✔ Turn on the hose and look for leaks at the connection.
✔ Check for water pooling near the foundation.
✔ Feel the faucet, if it’s wobbly, it might need tightening or repair.

If you find a leak, replace the washer or call a plumber for help. A quick fix now can save you big later.

7. Test Your Sump Pump (if you have one)

Heavy summer storms in Amarillo can flood basements or crawl spaces, and that’s where your sump pump comes in. If it’s not working properly, you could end up with serious water damage.

How to Test Your Sump Pump:

✔ Pour a bucket of water into the pit, does the pump activate?
✔ Listen for strange noises, it should run smoothly.
✔ Make sure the discharge pipe is clear and draining away from your home.

A failing sump pump can mean costly repairs, so test it before the next big storm hits.

Wrapping Up

Some plumbing tasks are easy to handle on your own, but others? Not so much. If you’re dealing with a major leak, a sewer backup, or no hot water, don’t wait. At Plumbing Amarillo TX, we know how tough Texas summers can be on your home’s plumbing. Whether you need a quick fix or a major repair, we’re here to help, so you can focus on enjoying your summer, not dealing with plumbing headaches.