Summer in Virginia means sunshine, backyard barbecues, and family vacations, but it also brings a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing system. From increased water usage to unexpected storms, your pipes, drains, and fixtures are all under extra pressure during the warmer months.

At Blessings Plumbing, we help homeowners prepare for seasonal plumbing concerns before they become costly emergencies. Whether you’re in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or anywhere across the Hampton Roads area, here are our top summer plumbing tips every Virginia homeowner should know.

1. Watch for Overworked Water Heaters

Even though it’s hot outside, your water heater is still working overtime. This is especially true if you’re hosting guests, filling up kiddie pools, or doing extra laundry. If your water isn’t staying hot or your energy bills are climbing, your water heater may need attention.

Tip: Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency. If you haven’t had a professional inspection in a while, summer is a great time to schedule one.

2. Be Smart About Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinklers are great for keeping your lawn green, but hidden leaks or misaligned heads can waste water and drive up your bill. A leak the size of a pencil tip can waste thousands of gallons a month.

Tip: Check your sprinkler heads regularly and monitor for soggy patches in your yard, which may indicate underground leaks.

3. Protect Your Drains from Summer Guests

Hosting family or friends this summer? More people in your home means more strain on your drains. From food scraps to hair and soap buildup, clogs can form quickly.

Tip: Remind guests (and family members!) not to flush wipes or pour grease down the sink. Consider installing drain strainers and schedule a professional drain cleaning if you notice slow drainage.

4. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures

Summer is prime time for outdoor fun, and that means more use of hoses, spigots, and outdoor showers. Over the winter, these fixtures may have suffered hidden freeze damage that now causes leaks.

Tip: Turn on all outdoor faucets and check for dripping, pooling water, or reduced pressure. If anything looks off, it’s time to call in the pros.

5. Storm-Proof Your Sump Pump

Virginia summers can bring sudden thunderstorms that quickly saturate the ground. A working sump pump can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage during heavy rainfall.

Tip: Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit to ensure it turns on and drains properly. Don’t forget to inspect the discharge line for blockages.

6. Check Washing Machine Hoses

Warmer weather often means more laundry thanks to beach days, outdoor play, and extra guests, but old or brittle hoses can burst under the pressure.

Tip: Check your washing machine hoses for cracks, bulges, or corrosion. If they’re more than 5 years old, consider replacing them with stainless steel braided hoses for extra durability.

7. Prevent Sewer Line Backups

Heavy rains and tree root growth can wreak havoc on sewer lines in the summer. Blockages or backups can cause sewage to come up through your drains, a nightmare for any homeowner.

Tip: If your drains smell foul or gurgle when toilets flush, it may be time for a sewer line inspection. Routine maintenance can prevent major repairs later.

8. Schedule a Mid-Year Plumbing Inspection

Most homeowners wait until something goes wrong before calling a plumber, but preventative maintenance can save you from expensive repairs and water damage. A summer inspection is the perfect opportunity to catch small issues before they escalate.

Tip: Have a licensed plumber check for leaks, corroded pipes, low water pressure, and hidden drainage issues. This is especially valuable if you live in an older home or if it’s been more than a year since your last inspection.

Serving Homeowners Across Virginia Beach and More

Whether you’re tackling small summer updates or facing an unexpected plumbing emergency, Blessings Plumbing is here to help. We provide expert plumbing all throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia. With years of experience serving Virginia homeowners, we know what your plumbing system needs to stay in top shape all summer long. 

Don’t wait for a midsummer plumbing disaster. Contact us today to schedule your seasonal check-up and keep your home running smoothly all season long.