The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Summer Plumbing Issues

Precision Today is proud to serve homeowners across Illinois—from Naperville to Elgin—with dependable plumbing, HVAC, and electrical solutions. While summer brings BBQs and backyard fun, it also brings plumbing headaches for many Illinois families. High water usage, humidity, and even tree root growth can all contribute to unexpected plumbing problems.

The good news? Many of these issues are preventable. Here’s your ultimate summer plumbing prevention guide, brought to you by your local experts at Precision Today.

Be Proactive with Outdoor Plumbing

When temperatures rise, so does outdoor water usage—sprinklers, garden hoses, outdoor kitchens, and more. But outdoor plumbing isn’t as durable as indoor fixtures and can easily crack, leak, or rust without proper care.

Tips:

• Inspect hose bibs and faucets for signs of corrosion or leaks.

• Use a hose timer to avoid overwatering and excessive pressure on connections.

• Turn off outdoor water sources when not in use.

Illinois Insight: In older suburbs like Oak Park and Wheaton, outdoor spigots may be tied to aging copper or galvanized lines—vulnerable to summer ground shifts. Have them inspected seasonally.

Protect Against Tree Root Intrusion

In many Chicagoland neighborhoods, beautiful mature trees line the streets—but their roots are notorious for damaging underground sewer lines. During dry summer months, roots aggressively seek moisture, and a small leak in your sewer pipe is like a dinner bell.

Signs of trouble:

• Frequent clogs in multiple drains

• Gurgling toilets

• Sewer odors in the yard

Prevention Tip: Schedule a camera inspection and hydro jetting service before summer’s peak. Precision Today offers non-invasive, high-powered solutions that clear lines without damaging your pipes.

 Learn more about our sewer line repair and hydro jetting services.

Don’t Ignore Your Water Heater

Hot weather doesn’t mean your water heater is off duty. In fact, increased summer laundry, dishes, and showers (hello, sweaty kids!) can strain your system even more. A failing water heater can result in:

• Rust-colored water

• Lukewarm temperatures

• High energy bills

Flush your tank to remove sediment buildup, especially if you live in areas like Bolingbrook or Downers Grove where hard water is common. Or consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.

Watch for Basement Flooding

Summer storms in Illinois are no joke. Torrential rain, power outages, and overwhelmed municipal systems can cause basement backups and costly damage.

Protect your home with:

• A reliable sump pump with a battery backup

• Backflow prevention valves

• Routine drain inspections before storm season

Many towns around Route 59, like Aurora and Naperville, are prone to flash flooding—don’t wait until water is already rising to act.

 Need sump pump service? Schedule a visit with Precision Today.

Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Summertime meals often mean grilling, BBQs, and greasy cleanups. Unfortunately, all that oil, fat, and food debris can wreak havoc on your kitchen drains and garbage disposal.

Avoid clogs by:

• Pouring cooking grease into a sealed container, not the sink

• Running cold water before and after using the disposal

• Keeping fibrous foods (corn husks, celery, etc.) out of your disposal

If you’re hosting in towns like Schaumburg or Lisle and notice your sink draining slowly, it’s time to schedule professional drain cleaning.

Summer Plumbing FAQs:

What causes drain clogs during summer?
More outdoor activity, cooking, and showers increase system strain. Fat, oil, and hair are the biggest culprits, along with tree roots in your sewer line.

Do I really need to maintain my water heater in the summer?
Yes! Sediment buildup and constant use can cause issues regardless of the season. A flush or tankless upgrade can save you from mid-summer cold showers.

How can I avoid flooding if the power goes out during a storm?
Install a sump pump with a battery backup to keep your basement protected even when the power fails.

Call Precision Today for Trusted Plumbing Protection

From clogged drains to flood prevention, Precision Today is your go-to plumbing expert in Chicagoland. We offer same-day service, transparent pricing, and friendly techs who treat your home like their own.

Don’t let a summer plumbing issue ruin your plans—schedule an inspection or tune-up with Precision Today.

We’ve helped thousands of Illinois homeowners protect their homes year-round. Call Precision Today now and enjoy a worry-free summer.