Summer's here in Australia and when the weather heats up there are a few plumbing things that need to be checked to ensure you won’t have any issues, particularly if you live in an area that experiences rapidly changing or extreme weather conditions.

Here are a few practical plumbing tips for summer to prevent any issues and ensure everything flows as it should.

1. Inspect outdoor taps and hose bibs

The cold winter weather can sometimes cause damage to outdoor taps and hose bibs. Before summer arrives, go around and carefully check every outdoor tap to ensure there are no leaks from the tap itself and that the threaded part of the tap (the hose bib) isn’t showing signs of cracking.

You can easily fix a dripping tap by replacing the tap washer, but you’ll want to call your plumber for any bigger problems.

2. Check for leaking pipes

Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home for any sign of water leaks. Inside, examine the pipes below the sinks for any leakage and also look for telltale discolouration on the walls and ceiling. Leaking pipes can also cause timber and plasterboard to bulge or blister. You’ll also want to check the condition of the insulation on hot water pipes. Insulation helps prevent heat loss and lowers your energy bills.

Outdoors, search the yard for damp patches that may indicate an underground pipe leak. An unusual area of lush green grass in one spot is often a key indicator.

3. Prepare for increased water usage

We often use more water during summer with more frequent showers, and outdoors with tending lawns and gardens, topping up a pool or running the sprinkler for kids to cool off under. Let’s look at some quick tips to efficiently manage water usage in summer and keep your excess water costs down:

• Put a time limit on showers (e.g. 5 minutes)
• Use the half flush on the toilet
• Only use the dishwasher when full
• Repair any water leaks or dripping taps
• Water gardens and lawns early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation
• Run sprinkler systems on a timer
• Put mulch on garden beds to help retain moisture
• Use grey water when possible for watering plants and grass
• Install a water tank to collect precious rainwater

4. Ensure your sump pump is functioning properly

Not all Aussie homes have them, but if you have a basement, chances are you’ll also have a sump pump. These pumps are used to pump water out of the basement during wet weather to prevent flooding. Protect your home by having Chris Lobb Plumbing check your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

5. Slow and clogged drains

Slow or clogged drains are the result of a buildup of debris. Food particles and oils in drain in kitchens, soap and hair in bathrooms, and lint in laundries, are the usual culprits.

Using a plunger in a slow drain will often clear it. For blocked drains, try using a drain cleaner. Even a mixture of baking soda and hot water can be an effective drain cleaner. However, if you can’t clear the blockage, it will be time to call your us to resolve the problem.

6. Conserve water with new fixtures

Another simple and effective way to conserve water this summer and all year round is to talk to us about installing low-flow taps and shower heads. These devices are quick and easy to install and are a cost-effective way to lower your water bills. Although they reduce the amount of water flowing from your taps and showers, their clever design means you won’t experience a lack of water pressure.

7. Arrange professional plumbing inspections

At least once a year you should have your plumbing professionally inspected by the Chris Lobb Plumbing team. During our comprehensive inspections, we’ll check out all your pipes and fittings, both inside and outside the home. If you have gas appliances installed, we will also check your gas plumbing.

Plumbing inspections offer peace of mind. You’ll know for sure that all is good and if we discover a potential problem, we’ll rectify it before it becomes a major headache.

8. Preparing for plumbing emergencies

It’s important to be ready for plumbing emergencies this summer by having our phone number handy. Stick it on the fridge door so everyone in your household knows who to call in case of an emergency.

Blocked toilets can be a messy and inconvenient problem. Don’t keep flushing the toilet when it blocks up. You could try using a plunger or a toilet snake to free debris. 

For any urgent issues you can’t resolve yourself, call us and we’ll be on our way.

Your plumbing professionals in Sydney’s Lower North Shore

Don’t let plumbing issues spoil your summer. For issues beyond your expertise, contact Chris Lobb Plumbing on 0418 239 413 . Chris Lobb Plumbing is your local plumber in the suburbs of the North Shore such as Wollstonecraft, Cremorne, North Sydney, Neutral Bay and Manly. 

With more than four decades of experience, our team has fixed every kind of plumbing problem there is!  We offer both regular plumbing services as well as emergency services for those problems that just can’t wait.