We’re deep into another classic Houston summer — hot, humid, and full of activity. With the soaring temperatures and high humidity, your home’s plumbing is likely working overtime. Whether you're taking multiple showers to beat the heat, running your sprinkler system to keep the lawn from turning brown, or using the washing machine more frequently after sweaty days outdoors, water usage in Houston homes skyrockets during the summer months.
CAUSES
1. Intense Heat and Soil Movement
Houston’s hot summer weather dries out the soil, causing it to shrink and shift. This movement puts pressure on underground pipes, sometimes causing them to crack, break, or disconnect. When this happens, leaks can form often underground and unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
2.Air Conditioning System Issues
AC units work overtime in Houston’s heat. If the condensate drains lines get clogged or malfunction, water can back up and leak into your home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, or floors.
3. Heavy Summer Rains and Poor Drainage
Houston’s rainy season overlaps with summer, bringing intense downpours that can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to seep into basements or crawl spaces, leading to flooding and water damage.
4. Increased Water Usage
Summer activities like watering lawns, filling pools, taking more showers, and running appliances more frequently push your home’s plumbing system harder than usual. This can reveal or accelerate weak spots in your pipes and fixtures.
HOW TO FIX IT
Locate and Repair Leaks Promptly: If you notice signs of water damage—like damp walls, musty smells, or unusually high-water bills, call a licensed plumber to inspect your system. They can locate hidden leaks, repair broken pipes, and replace damaged fixtures.
Fix Drainage Problems: Clean gutters and downspouts regularly. Make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation to avoid water pooling near the structure.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning System: Have a professional HVAC technician clean and inspect your AC unit, including the condensate drain, before summer hits.
Preventing these issues is easy, just keep everything on track, schedule regular plumbing inspections, update old pipes, monitor water usage and be prepared for rainy season.