Summer Plumbing Tips for Iowa Homeowners
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for your home's plumbing system.
Kids are home from school, sprinklers are running, guests are visiting, summer storms roll through, and outdoor water use increases significantly.
A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid inconvenient plumbing problems later in the season.
Here are eight simple ways to keep your plumbing running smoothly this summer.
1. Test Your Sump Pump Before Heavy Storms
Iowa summers often bring heavy thunderstorms with significant rainfall.
Your sump pump is your basement's first line of defense against flooding, so don't wait until the next storm to find out it isn't working.
A quick way to test it is by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise, the pump should turn on automatically, and the water should discharge away from your home.
If it doesn't, it's time to have it inspected.
2. Check Outdoor Faucets for Leaks
After Iowa winters, outdoor hose bibs can develop leaks from freezing temperatures.
Inspect each outdoor faucet for:
- Dripping water
- Cracks
- Low water pressure
- Water leaking inside your home when the faucet is turned on
Fixing a small leak now can help prevent larger problems later.
3. Be Careful What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
Summer cookouts often mean more food preparation.
Avoid putting these items down your garbage disposal:
- Corn husks
- Watermelon rinds
- Celery
- Grease
- Bones
- Coffee grounds
These materials can contribute to drain clogs and unnecessary service calls.
4. Watch for Slow Drains
Slow drains often develop gradually.
If multiple drains throughout your home are slowing down, don't ignore the warning signs.
Addressing a developing blockage early may help prevent a complete sewer backup later.
5. Keep Grease Out of Your Drains
After grilling or frying food, never pour grease down the kitchen sink.
Instead:
Allow grease to cool.
Place it in a disposable container.
Throw it in the trash.
Grease hardens inside pipes and is one of the leading causes of drain blockages.
6. Protect Your Water Heater
Summer is an excellent time to have your water heater inspected or serviced.
Checking the system before colder weather arrives can help identify small issues before they become emergency repairs.
7. Inspect Your Sewer Line if Your Home Is Older
Many Central Iowa homes have aging sewer lines made from clay pipe or other older materials.
If you've experienced recurring drain problems, tree root intrusion, or slow drains, summer is a great time to schedule a sewer camera inspection before fall and winter arrive.
Finding small issues early often provides more repair options.
8. Think About Your Drinking Water
Summer usually means more drinking water.
If your family regularly buys bottled water, it may be worth considering a reverse osmosis system.
Having filtered drinking water available right from your kitchen sink can provide convenience while reducing trips to the store and plastic waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do plumbing problems seem more common during summer?
Increased water usage, outdoor watering, family gatherings, and heavy thunderstorms all place additional demand on your plumbing system.
Should I have my sewer line inspected if everything seems fine?
Not necessarily. However, older homes or homes with recurring drain issues may benefit from a sewer camera inspection to identify potential problems before they become emergencies.
How often should I test my sump pump?
Testing your sump pump before the spring and summer storm season—and occasionally throughout the year—is a simple way to confirm it's operating properly.
Trust Beebe Drain & Sewer Co.
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we're proud to help homeowners throughout the Des Moines metro protect their plumbing systems year-round.
Whether you need a drain cleaning, sewer camera inspection, sump pump replacement, water heater service, or water treatment system, we're here to provide honest recommendations and quality workmanship you can count on.
A little preventative maintenance today can help you avoid costly plumbing problems tomorrow.
Beebe Drain & Sewer Co. proudly serves homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Grimes, Johnston, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, Indianola, Ames, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
