How Extreme Heat Affects Your Plumbing
August is the hottest month in San Antonio, with temps reaching up to 100 degrees during the dog days of summer. Needless to say, it gets pretty hot in the Lone Star State, and all that extreme heat can result in both direct and indirect damage to your plumbing system. Here are some of the common summer plumbing problems we address at this time of year in San Antonio, Boerne, and surrounding areas.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are an indirect factor of the heat, but with the increase in swim parties and barbecues, more people are using the drains, which in turn boosts usage and the chance for clogs. Constant use of your bathroom and showers often lead to clogged shower drains and toilets, particularly in older homes with outdated plumbing that may get overwhelmed with frequent action.
Cracked Pipes Underground
When it’s very hot out, the underground pipes in your front and back yards are at a higher risk of cracking and bursting. That’s because extreme heat dries out the soil underneath your home and can shift your property’s foundation. Then, it’s only a matter of time until your pipes burst and lead to a plumbing emergency.
Another way your below-ground pipes can be impacted by heat is through very high water pressure that happens with the increased use of your hose. Your sprinkler system can also be extremely stressed by turning on and off daily. And if you have older plumbing, this risk is compounded. In summer, water quickly moves through the pipes, making them more vulnerable to cracks and leaks that you can’t see. This is what makes them so hard to diagnose.
Exposed Pipe Damage
In the cooler winter months, you probably took steps to protect your exposed pipes by wrapping them in insulation. Well, you should do the same thing in summer when the temps start to ramp up. While exposed pipe damage tends to develop slowly over time, when you have unprotected pipes, they will become weaker when exposed to direct heat day after day.
Have you noticed that your pipes are starting to warp or have fallen victim to minor leaks or structural damage? Calling a licensed plumber in Boerne now while the problem is small will prevent costly repairs in the future.
Low Water Pressure
At the peak of summer, your plumbing problems may be at their highest. You may notice that your water pressure has started to decrease. That’s due to the fact that pipes beneath your home may have started to leak through cracks. A big red flag to this is a much lower water efficiency and lower flow. Ignoring this problem can lead to more expensive, more invasive problems down the line.
These are all common plumbing problems caused by extreme heat in Texas. Now let’s talk about some signs that you should call a plumber before it’s too late.
Signs You Should Call a Plumber
It’s always best to call a Boerne plumber at the first sign of trouble. This could save you a lot of money and headache later. Sometimes the signs aren’t so obvious. In fact, those are the worst kinds because leaks can go undetected in your walls and spread.
Did you know the average American family uses about 300 gallons of water every day at home? That’s a lot of potential harm lurking behind the scenes.
Here are some of the top signs you should place a call to a plumber.
1. You don’t have any water
If you turn on the tap and find that you have no water at all, this is an obvious sign to call a plumber. Tell your neighbors too, though, because if they’re having the same problem, it could be a neighborhood-wide problem that requires a call to your municipality.
2. You have no hot water
If you don’t get warm water even after running the tap for a while, there’s definitely a problem. A plumber can troubleshoot the issue, whether it’s a serious concern or a small tweak such as a pilot light that has gone out.
If your tank isn’t big enough to handle the needs of your household, it may never give you enough hot water to suit you. Have a plumber determine your tank size and see if you should install a bigger one. They may also check the breaker to see if that’s to blame. A good plumber will be able to get to the bottom of what’s causing your significant temperature fluctuations. This could be a safety risk for anyone because they can get scalded.
3. You have low water pressure
Nothing’s worse than a low flow when you’re trying to take a shower. Your plumber can get to the bottom of this issue, whether it’s due to a clogged aerator in your bathroom faucet or a bigger problem lurking underneath the surface.
Get a Free Quote From Plumb Star Plumbing in San Antonio
If the extreme heat of the Texas summer has affected your plumbing, we can help. Plumb Star Plumbing is your local source for quality, affordable residential plumbing installation and repair services for homeowners throughout Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Leon Springs, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free quote at (830) 981-8702.