Summer is the season most homeowners focus on the outside of their home. But while everyone is painting, landscaping, and getting the deck ready for the season, the plumbing inside is easy to overlook. And a few of the things that tend to cause problems in fall and winter start showing signs well before then.
Here are the things worth checking now, while the weather is good and there is no urgency.
Water Pressure
Normal residential water pressure runs between 40 and 80 PSI. If yours is running high, it puts constant stress on pipes, fittings, and appliances. Over time, that contributes to leaks, valve wear, and appliance failure.
If you have not thought about water pressure in your home, a plumber can check it quickly and install a pressure regulator if needed. It is a small fix that protects a lot of other things.
Slow Drains
A drain that is slow now will be a blocked drain by winter when households are running at full capacity. Slower drains usually mean a partial clog is building. The fix is much easier before it becomes a full blockage.
Worth checking: kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, tubs, and if you have a basement, the floor drain. Basement floor drains often get ignored until they back up.
Water Heater
Water heaters do not usually announce their problems ahead of time. The first sign is often no hot water, which is a lot less pleasant in November than it is in July.
A few things to look at now: how old is the unit? Most tank water heaters have a life expectancy of eight to twelve years. If yours is getting close, summer is a good time to plan a replacement rather than scrambling in the cold. Also look for any signs of rust or corrosion around the base or the connections, and listen for unusual sounds when it is running.
Outdoor Spigots and Hose Bibs
While you are using them in summer, take note of whether any outdoor spigots drip after you shut them off, or whether the handle feels loose or stiff. Dripping spigots waste water all summer and can cause problems if they are not addressed before winter when you need to shut them down properly.
Visible Pipes in Unfinished Spaces
Basement, crawl space, or utility room: take a look at the pipes you can see. You are looking for any signs of corrosion, staining that might indicate a slow leak, or pipes that are not properly supported and are sagging.
Catching a minor drip or a corroded fitting in summer is a quick repair. The same issue found after it has caused water damage to a finished space is a much bigger conversation.
Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, test it now. Pour water into the pit and make sure the pump activates and drains it. Summer storms in the Boston area can be heavy, and the last thing you want is to find out the pump is not working during a storm.
When to Call a Plumber
Not everything on this list requires a service call. But if you find slow drains throughout the house, signs of a leak, an aging water heater, or a sump pump that is not responding, those are worth having someone look at before they become emergencies.
Emergency plumbing calls are significantly more expensive than scheduled maintenance visits. The math on getting ahead of these issues almost always works out in your favor.
Plumbing Services for Greater Boston MetroWest Homeowners
Ulta Home’s licensed plumbing team serves homeowners across Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley, Weston, Westborough, and the surrounding MetroWest area. If you want a professional eye on any of the above, or you have a specific issue you have been putting off, reach out and we will get you scheduled.