Why August Is the Perfect Time to Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
The last month of summer is here, and your outdoor plumbing has already seen plenty of action: watering the lawn, filling kiddie pools, running sprinklers, and more. With all that use, now’s a good time to pause and take a look at your outdoor plumbing before the busy fall and winter bring their own set of challenges.
A quick check now can help you avoid wasted water, surprise repairs, or a high water bill you didn’t see coming. It only takes just a few quick checks to help you catch anything off.
Your Summer Outdoor Plumbing Checklist
Even minor wear on outdoor fixtures can lead to surprising water waste. Use this easy checklist to spot small issues before they become headaches:
Hose Bibs (Outdoor Faucets)
- Look for drips, even if the faucet is shut off. Even a slow leak can waste up to thousands of gallons of water each year, according to EPA’s WaterSense program.
- Check around the spout and base for cracks or corrosion, typical signs of damage from winter freezing or usual wear.
- Listen for unusual noises (such as whistling or banging), which may indicate pressure problems or air in the line.
- If your hose bib is leaking or hard to shut off, it could be a sign of wear out, and that could lead to water damage or even mold near your foundation.
Sprinkler Systems
- Ensure sprinkler heads are level and clear of dirt and debris. Tilted and sunken heads tend to spray sidewalks rather than plants.
- Operate each zone by hand and check for uneven spray or water accumulation; these may be indicative of cracked nozzles or subgrade leaks.
- Double-check your timer settings to ensure you’re watering during the early morning or late evening, when fewer waters evaporate.
- Sprinkler problems are simple to overlook until your water bill shoots up. Maintaining them in line can mean a significant difference in efficiency.
Gutters and Downspouts
- Check for clogs or poor drainage. Backed-up gutters can cause foundation issues, which sometimes impact sump pumps or indoor plumbing.
- Remove any debris and make sure water flows freely through downspouts.
- Consider installing extensions on downspouts if water collects near your foundation.
- Gutters are not technically a part of your plumbing system, but they make a big contribution to keeping water where it needs to be, away from your house.
Sump Pumps (If Applicable)
- Check your sump pump by adding water slowly to the pit. It should activate, flush out the water, and shut off.
- Monitor (and sniff) for evidence of trouble such as rust, strange sounds, or mildewy smells, which could indicate the pump is failing or wearing out.
- Even if you connect your sump pump to spring rain, summer thunderstorms can strike equally hard. A simple test now might prevent basement flooding later.
Spotting Hidden Water Waste
Some plumbing issues hide in plain sight, or out of sight. According to the World Plumbing Council, hidden leaks not only waste water but can ultimately weaken your house’s structure.
Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- An unexpected jump in your water bill
- Soft or squishy spots in your lawn with no rain
- Mold or mildew along your foundation
If you notice one of these indicators, or if something just doesn’t feel right, it may be time to dig a little deeper.
When to Call in a Professional
Plenty of outdoor checks can be handled on your own, but not all plumbing issues are easy to see or fix without the right tools. Underground leaks, pressure problems, and slow-forming damage often go unnoticed until repairs get expensive.
That’s where a trained eye comes in handy. At Putman Plumbing, our team has the experience and tools to detect those unseen problems before they become major issues. If there is something during your inspection that you do question, or you simply want a second opinion, a professional check-up may be worth it.
Spending a few minutes this August checking on your outdoor plumbing can pay off in water savings, home protection, and peace of mind for the rest of the summer season and before fall and winter starts. With some routine maintenance and assistance when you need it, you can look forward to a smooth, hassle-free for the rest of your summer.
You can contact us anytime if you need assistance or simply want to hear more about how we operate.
