Summer in Michigan is a time for lakeside living, backyard BBQs, family road trips, and soaking up every ounce of warmth after a long winter. But with all that sunshine and outdoor activity comes increased stress on your home’s plumbing system.
Between more frequent showers, extra laundry, kids home from school, watering the garden, and entertaining guests, it’s no surprise that plumbing issues tend to spike during the summer months. And while no one wants to deal with a clogged drain, busted hose bib, or broken sump pump in the middle of July, these problems are common—and preventable.
The good news? A few simple precautions and plumbing check-ins can save you time, money, and headaches this season. Below are seven essential summer plumbing tips every Michigan homeowner should know to keep things running smoothly while you enjoy everything Pure Michigan has to offer.
1. Inspect Outdoor Spigots and Hoses for Leaks
After a long, cold Michigan winter, it’s common for outdoor faucets and hose bibs to suffer freeze damage—even if they were properly shut off. As soon as temperatures rise in the spring, test each outdoor spigot by turning it on and checking for leaks, reduced water pressure, or cracks in the pipe.
Why it matters:
- Leaks waste water—sometimes hundreds of gallons per month.
- Cracked lines inside your walls can lead to costly water damage.
- You’ll need those faucets for gardening, washing the car, and summer cleanups.
What to do:
- Inspect hoses and hose bibs for wear, cracks, and drips.
- Use a hose bib insulator or frost-free spigot going forward.
- Replace any damaged washers, tighten connections, or call a plumber if you suspect damage inside the wall.
2. Be Cautious with What Goes Down the Kitchen Sink
Summer often means more time spent in the kitchen or at the grill, with food scraps, oils, and grease finding their way into the garbage disposal or kitchen drain. But these common items can wreak havoc on your plumbing system if you’re not careful.
Summer culprits to avoid:
- Grease and oil from grilling
- Corn husks and fruit rinds
- Coffee grounds
- Bones or seafood shells
- Pasta, rice, and starchy foods that expand with water
Summer plumbing tip:
Even if you have a garbage disposal, treat it with care. Run cold water while using it, and avoid dumping food waste that can gum up the blades or create clogs. Instead, compost food scraps or dispose of them in the trash.
3. Check Your Sump Pump Before Storm Season
Summer in Michigan can bring intense storms and heavy rainfall. If you have a basement, a working sump pump is one of your best lines of defense against flooding and water damage.
Maintenance checklist:
- Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it kicks on properly.
- Listen for unusual sounds or vibrations that could indicate motor issues.
- Check the discharge pipe outside to make sure it’s not blocked.
- Consider a backup battery system to keep the pump running during power outages.
A failed sump pump in the middle of a thunderstorm could lead to a flooded basement—and thousands in repair bills. Stay ahead of it.
4. Conserve Water During Peak Usage Months
From lawn sprinklers to kiddie pools to daily showers after a day on the boat, water usage surges in the summer. This not only puts pressure on local water supplies, but it can also increase your utility bills—and potentially overburden your home’s plumbing.
Water-saving plumbing tips:
- Install low-flow showerheads and aerators on all faucets.
- Use your dishwasher and laundry machines only when full.
- Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Check toilets and faucets for slow leaks (use food coloring in the tank to check toilets).
- Fix any dripping hose bibs or sprinkler connections ASAP.
Even small leaks and drips can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Summer is the perfect time to double-check that your plumbing is tight, efficient, and ready for high demand.
5. Be Mindful of Tree Roots in Sewer Lines
Michigan yards come to life in the summer—and so do the trees. Unfortunately, aggressive root systems can grow into underground sewer lines, especially older clay pipes common in many Michigan homes.
Warning signs of root intrusion:
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling toilets
- Backups in showers or floor drains
- Strong odors from basement floor drains or toilets
Tree roots can cause major blockages and even break pipes underground, leading to expensive repairs. A summer sewer line inspection using a plumbing camera is a smart preventative measure—especially if you’ve had issues before.
6. Schedule a Water Heater Checkup
Your water heater works year-round, but summer is a great time to give it some attention—especially before the high-demand winter months return. If you have guests staying over or host large gatherings, your water heater may be working overtime.
Summer maintenance includes:
- Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup (which affects efficiency).
- Checking the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s functioning.
- Inspecting for rust, corrosion, or leaks around the base of the unit.
- Lowering the thermostat to 120°F to save energy and reduce scald risk.
If your water heater is over 10 years old, talk to a plumber about whether it’s time for a more energy-efficient replacement—especially if you’ve noticed inconsistent water temperatures or reduced hot water supply.
7. Don’t Ignore the Laundry Room
Summer means more sweat, grass stains, and loads of laundry—especially if you have kids. With increased washing machine usage, it’s important to check your laundry plumbing for signs of wear.
Key maintenance tips:
- Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks, or leaks.
- Make sure the drain is flowing properly and not backing up.
- Avoid overloading your washing machine, which can strain plumbing and the appliance.
- Use strainers in laundry sinks to catch lint and debris.
Consider replacing standard hoses with stainless steel braided hoses, which are more durable and less likely to burst. Also, be mindful of any drain smells or slow drainage—signs that it might be time for a drain cleaning.
Bonus Tip: Know When to Call a Professional
While there’s a lot you can do on your own, some summer plumbing issues require a professional plumber—especially if you suspect a hidden leak, notice water pressure changes, or experience frequent clogs. Summer is also a great time to tackle proactive upgrades or inspections before colder weather makes plumbing work more complicated.
Call a Michigan plumber if:
- You haven’t had a plumbing inspection in a few years
- You’re dealing with recurring slow drains or sewer smells
- Your water bill suddenly increases without explanation
- You’re considering upgrades to water-efficient fixtures
- You want a full sump pump, water heater, or hose bib checkup
Investing in preventative maintenance now could save you hundreds (or thousands) later on.
Keep Cool and Stress-Free This Summer
Michigan summers should be spent enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family, and making memories—not dealing with avoidable plumbing disasters. Whether it’s testing your sump pump, checking outdoor faucets, or watching what goes down the drain, these summer plumbing tips will help you avoid headaches and keep your home running efficiently.
A little planning and regular maintenance go a long way toward keeping your plumbing system in top shape—even during the busiest season of the year.
And if you ever need help, Aspen Plumbing Services just a phone call away. Our licensed Michigan plumbers are here to help with inspections, repairs, and upgrades to keep your home cool, comfortable, and clog-free all summer long.
