The first warm days in Washington are lovely, but they often come with plumbing surprises. From root invasions to water pressure dips, here are the six most common summer plumbing issues in 2025—and how to prevent them, Washington-style.
1. Clogged Drains from Sand, Debris, & Hair
Summer means more time at the beach, gardening, or in water play—activities that bring sand, dirt, and hair indoors. These combine with soap scum to cause slow-draining sinks and showers.
How to prevent it:
• Rinse off outside when returning from the beach or garden.
• Use drain screens in showers, tubs, and sinks.
• Once a month, flush drains with a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to loosen buildup
Why it matters:
Clogs during summer can quickly turn into backups when you’re hosting guests or relaxing at home.
2. Garbage Disposal Overload
Summer gatherings mean tough food scraps hitting the sink—corn husks, melon rinds, fibrous veggies. Even the best disposals can clog or jam under strain
Avoid problems by:
• Running cold water while feeding scraps, then letting it run another 10 seconds.
• Avoiding garbage disposal use during busy days—use compost bins instead.
• Grinding ice cubes and citrus peels monthly to clean and freshen the unit.
Pro Tip: Put a small sign near the disposal reminding guests what not to toss.3. Leaking or Damaged Outdoor Faucets & Sprinklers
Outdoor plumbing faces sun, yard work, and occasional storms—leading to cracks, leaks, or broken sprinkler heads
Do this now:
• Walk your yard and manually activate each faucet and sprinkler head.
• Replace cracked heads and tighten leaking connections.
• Swivel sprinkler heads away from structures and add rain sensors to avoid overwatering.
A single damaged sprinkler can leak hundreds of gallons daily—especially costly during drought seasons.
4. Low Water Pressure from Clogged or Corroded Pipes
Warm weather doesn’t directly cause this, but summer usage makes existing issues more noticeable—low shower flow, slow faucets, or inconsistent delivery.
Fix it by:
• Measuring pressure (ideal: 40–60 psi) with a gauge from a hardware store.
• Cleaning aerators and considering a pressure booster if needed.
• Hiring a plumber to inspect older galvanized or corroded pipes for cleaning or replacement.
Missing out on smooth flow? It could be a safety issue or hidden leak.
5. Sump Pump Failure During Flash Storms
Heavy summer storms or late snowmelt (especially in the Cascades and Eastern WA) can overwhelm drainage systems—if your sump pump fails, flooding follows
Be prepared with these checks:
• Fill the sump pit with water to ensure the pump kicks on.
• Clean any debris that may clog the float or impeller.
• Confirm your battery backup works—electric outages are common during storms.
Bonus tip: Install a water alarm in the basement for early warnings.
6. Root Intrusion in Aging Sewer Lines
Unexpected growth of tree roots into underground pipes is a top concern during summer’s dry spells. Roots search for moisture and invade cracks, leading to blockages.
How to detect and treat it:
• Watch for gurgling toilets, slow drains, or foul sewer odors.
• Get a plumber to perform a camera inspection for early detection.
• Use professional hydro jetting or spot-root treatments, not DIY chemicals.
• Consider tree relocation if roots repeatedly invade your line.
Older homes in Seattle and Tacoma with clay or cast iron pipes are particularly at risk.
🛡️ Washington 2025 Summer Plumbing Checklist
| Problem | Prevention Action |
|---|---|
| Clogged drains | Rinse outside, install screens, periodic flushes |
| Disposal overload | Avoid tough scraps, run cold water, monthly cleaning |
| Outdoor leaks | Activate and inspect faucets/sprinklers early |
| Low pressure | Test pressure, clean aerators, inspect pipes |
| Sump pump | Test, clean, verify backup before storms |
| Root intrusion | Watch warning signs, camera inspection, proactive treatments |
Why Summer Plumbing Care Matters in Washington
• Seasonal usage reveals underlying issues—better to spot them early.
• Leaks and shorts in landscaping and drainage are costly during dry seasons.
• Preventive steps reduce emergency calls, saving you time and money.
✅ Ready for a Smooth, Problem-Free Summer?
• Want help testing your water pressure or inspecting your pipes?
• Looking to install rain sensors or fix irrigation leaks?
• Need fast hydro jetting or sewer-camera diagnosis?
Search trusted Washington plumbers on NW Plumbers and check our Coupons Page for summer deals.
Help yourself and your neighbors by sharing this guide—it’s a small step toward a smoother, leak-free summer!
