Your plumbing system can face unexpected challenges once summer temperatures start to soar. High heat could seriously damage pipes, whether they’re outdoors in direct sunlight or indoors. Understanding how the summer heat impacts plumbing and how you can protect your pipes can help you avoid costly problems and middle-of-the-night disruptions that require a 24-hour plumber.
How Does Heat Affect Plumbing Pipes?
Extreme heat can cause plumbing pipes to expand and contract, making them more vulnerable to damage. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures during summer, especially from direct sunlight, can weaken pipes and lead to various issues like cracks. The expansion doesn’t just damage the pipes but also puts stress on the system’s components, including seals and joints.
What Type of Damage Can Heat Do to Plumbing Pipes?
Cracks and leaks are two of the most common types of damage to plumbing pipes as they expand and contract during the summer. Water pressure may also increase and put internal stress on the pipes and the system’s components. Plastic plumbing pipes are at risk of warping during extremely hot temperatures.
How Do I Know if My Indoor or Outdoor Pipes Were Affected by the Heat?
The heat typically causes visible damage that’s easy to notice if you look close enough. Warping, cracks, and significant discoloration are a few signs, as is water dripping from the pipes.
Listen for strange sounds, like banging, coming from the pipes, which typically indicate an issue even if you can’t visibly see one. Low water pressure is another sign. Additionally, keep a close eye on your monthly utility bills. If they’re increasing for what seems like no reason, call us so we can diagnose the issue and determine an appropriate repair.
How Do I Prevent the Pipes From Overheating?
Properly insulating your plumbing pipes can make a significant difference in preventing them from overheating. They help protect against extreme temperatures, especially if the pipes are outdoors or along exterior walls.
Trying to shade your outdoor pipes as much as possible can also be beneficial. Put small vegetation, such as flowers, by walls with plumbing pipes. You can also put up structures like a trellis to provide shade while enhancing aesthetics.
Can Plumbing Pipes in Cooler Areas Be Affected?
Plumbing pipes in cooler areas like basements and crawlspaces aren’t immune to damage from the summer heat. They can still be affected, although usually less so compared to outdoor plumbing pipes and ones on exterior walls. This can especially be the case during extreme heat when areas with high humidity can cause condensation that may lead to corrosion, weakening the pipes and making them more vulnerable to damage.
Does Heat Affect New or Old Plumbing Pipes?
Heat affects both old and new plumbing pipes, but the former is typically more prone to damage. Aging pipes can develop weaknesses like corrosion and brittle components, especially the longer the problems go unaddressed. This makes the plumbing system less able to handle the stress of the extreme summer heat. Newer pipes are more resistant to heat but can still expand and contract if they’re continuously exposed to high temperatures.
Does Shading Outdoor Pipes Make a Difference?
Shading outdoor pipes can significantly protect your plumbing pipes from the heat as it prevents them from being exposed to direct sunlight. However, it’s important not to use anything that could cause pipe damage, such as planting a tree that will have enormous roots. We can advise you on the ideal options for your property and plumbing.
Can I Insulate My Plumbing Pipes Myself?
While you can insulate your plumbing pipes yourself, we strongly advise against it. Our plumbers are highly trained in these types of tasks and can do them for you. We know exactly how to insulate the pipes so they’re properly protected during the summer.
In addition to applying the insulation, we can assess your pipes to look for damage, such as cracks. We can provide you with details about the condition of your system, and if it needs any repairs, we can address the problems and prevent further damage.
Does Insulation Make a Difference?
Insulation significantly protects your plumbing pipes from extreme heat and keeps them at a more stable temperature. It helps shield pipes from direct sun and heat exposure, reducing the risk of expansion, warping, and the corresponding damage. It can also help control condensation in humid areas, which prevents moisture-related issues like corrosion or mold.
How Do I Know What Plumbing Pipes Need Protecting?
Scheduling a plumbing inspection with us is the best way to know which pipes need extra TLC. We can assess your system during spring before the hot temperatures approach to ensure your pipes are prepared for summer’s arrival.
Is it Enough to Do Self-Inspections?
Self-inspections of your plumbing system are helpful, but scheduling professional inspections is still important. Doing regular checks yourself for issues like dripping water and unusual noises can help catch problems early, so we can implement a repair that prevents them from worsening. However, our extensive experience with plumbing systems allows us to spot issues that might go unnoticed by homeowners who don’t have the same professional training. Our thorough inspections can provide you with peace of mind and help your system stay in top condition.
How Often Do I Need Professional Plumbing Inspections?
We recommend annual plumbing inspections, but homeowners can certainly schedule them more often, especially if they have old pipes. It’s also vital to call us immediately if you think there may be an issue so we can quickly address it before it turns into a severe problem, like a burst pipe that floods your home.
Can Tree Roots Affect Plumbing Pipes?
Warm weather can encourage tree growth, so the spring and summer are major times when tree roots can affect your plumbing system. Roots spread as they search out moisture and can start growing into your underground plumbing pipes, especially if they have a tiny crack. The further they grow into the pipes, the more damage they can cause, such as blockages and more extensive cracks.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring Plumbing Inspections and Repairs?
Plumbing problems don’t get better on their own, so the longer they continue, the worse they get. For example, a small plumbing crack could easily become a significant one that causes a pipe to burst and flood your home. A sewer line could also break and, until you get sewer repair, cause wastewater to flood your yard or home.
When Should I Take Steps to Protect My Pipes From the Summer Heat?
Take proactive measures before the extreme hot temperatures approach the city. Waiting until the last minute or after the heat has already arrived could cause damage in the meantime. Start in early spring so you’re prepared way before summer starts, giving you confidence that your system is well-protected.
Keep your plumbing system in great condition, even during the summer heat. AZ Family Plumbing in Glendale, AZ provides inspections, repairs, and other services to assist the community. Call today to schedule an appointment, or message us through our website.
