Summer in Levittown means sunshine, pool days, and more time spent outdoors — but it can also bring a new set of plumbing concerns. Hot temperatures and higher water usage can place added pressure on your plumbing system, increasing the risk of leaks, clogs, and unexpected breakdowns. Taking a few preventive steps now can help you avoid costly repairs and keep everything running efficiently when you’d rather be relaxing in the sun.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, we’re here to help you make the most of the season. These summer plumbing tips will protect your home, save water, and keep your system working exactly as it should.
We're also here to assist you with our suite of services, including plumbing repair, leak detection, outdoor plumbing solutions, and more.
Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Dry heat and other types of weather will put pressure on anything connected to your home’s exterior. If you haven’t looked at your outdoor hose or faucet since spring, this is a good time. A cracked hose or damaged nozzle can waste gallons of water before you even notice. Leaky faucet heads, loose hose fittings, or valves with mineral buildup can also sneak up fast.
Start by running water through the hose while keeping an eye out for any drips, kinks, or bubbles around the base of the faucet. As you do, check the valve and connection points—these areas tend to wear down faster, especially in warmer weather. A valve that’s stuck or beginning to corrode might have trouble closing completely under heat. Give the hose a gentle tug to see if the connection holds tight. If the faucet sputters or the water pulses irregularly, that may be a sign of pressure changes or buildup forming inside the pipe.
Clear and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Storms in Levittown bring leaves, seed pods, dirt, and other debris straight into your gutters. Without regular cleaning, this buildup traps moisture and causes overflow. When water can’t drain down the spout, it runs straight into the siding or floods the basement perimeter. That puts your foundation at risk and strains your sump pump on rainy days.
Use gloves or a scoop to remove the gunk along the gutter line. If you notice standing water in certain areas, your downspouts could be blocked further inside. Spray water through the top and look for free flow at the bottom. Downspout extensions that direct water away from your foundation can make a difference as well. If your lawn near the base feels soggy, even on dry days, it might be time to adjust the flow or check for breaks in the drainage pipe.
Monitor Water Pressure Indoors
Temperature shifts during summer impact indoor pressure levels. When pressure gets too high, your pipes take on more stress than they can handle over time. If it dips too low, your tap, shower, or washing machine may run poorly. Check water pressure with a simple gauge. Attach it to a faucet or spigot and compare the reading to your home’s normal range.
Inconsistent pressure across fixtures often points to a deeper issue. Sediment in your pressure regulator, pipe corrosion, or root interference from nearby trees could all affect the flow. If you notice sudden spikes or drops, give us a call. Unusual pressure behavior is one of the most common signs of wear in plumbing systems during peak summer months.
Flush the Water Heater
Heat and humidity promote mineral buildup inside your water heater tank. If you hear banging or crackling noises, that could be sediment cooking on the bottom of the tank. Draining it clears that material out and helps preserve the life of the heater. It also gives you a better look at the valve condition and any signs of rust or corrosion.
To flush the tank, shut off the power or gas, attach a hose to the drain valve, and empty it into a safe space away from your lawn or basement. Once it’s empty, refill and test. Clean, sediment-free water should flow smoothly through your kitchen and bathroom taps.
Inspect and Maintain Sump Pumps
Sump pumps quietly protect your basement during summer downpours. But if they fail during a storm, flooding can happen fast. Test your pump by pouring water into the pit and watching for the float to rise and trigger the motor. If the pump doesn't start, starts late, or runs too loudly, it may need cleaning or repair.
Check the drain line as well. Debris, like leaves, twigs, or dirt, can clog the outlet and back up the system. Also, inspect the power source. Many homeowners skip this step until it’s too late. A working sump pump with no power can’t protect your home. Consider backup batteries if you’ve experienced power outages during storms.
Conserve Water to Reduce Strain
During summer, water use climbs. Showers run longer, the lawn gets regular irrigation, and the washing machine may be running daily. All that puts strain on your water supply system. Conserving water can ease that pressure. Simple habits like turning off the tap during brushing, running full loads of laundry, and using low-flow showerheads help more than you might expect.
Water conservation also protects your plumbing. Reduced usage means fewer pressure surges, lower wear on valves, and decreased chance of corrosion over time. Outside, smart irrigation schedules like watering early in the morning can keep the lawn healthy without overtaxing your hose or outdoor valves.
When to Reach Out to Our Plumbing Professionals
While there are many plumbing maintenance tasks you can handle on your own, some situations require the expertise of a licensed plumber. Attempting to fix complex plumbing issues without the proper knowledge and tools can often lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, we're here to help you with all your plumbing needs, big or small.
Here are a few signs that it's time to give us a call:
- Persistent Low Water Pressure: If you've checked for simple fixes like a partially closed water meter valve and are still experiencing low water pressure throughout your home, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. This could be caused by a clog in your main water line, a failing pressure regulator, or even a hidden water leak. Our plumbers have the diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of the problem and restore your water pressure to normal.
- Slow Drains or Frequent Clogs: A single slow drain in your sink or shower might be a simple fix, but if you have multiple slow drains or frequent clogs, it could indicate a blockage deep within your sewer line. A common cause of sewer line blockages is root intrusion from trees in your yard seeking out water. Our professional plumbers can perform a camera inspection of your pipes to identify the cause of the blockage and recommend the best course of action.
- Signs of a Hidden Water Leak: Water damage can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. If you notice signs of a hidden water leak, such as unexplained wet spots on your walls or ceiling, a musty odor, or a sudden increase in your water bill, it's important to act quickly. Our plumbers are experts at leak detection and can locate and repair hidden leaks before they cause extensive damage to your home.
- Sump Pump Failure: A failing sump pump during a heavy rainstorm is an emergency situation. If your sump pump isn't working correctly, or if your basement is already starting to flood, don't hesitate to call us.
- No Hot Water: Waking up to a cold shower is never a pleasant experience. If your water heater is not producing hot water, it could be due to a variety of issues, from a faulty heating element to a problem with the gas supply. Our plumbers are experienced in repairing all types of water heaters and can get your hot water flowing again quickly and safely.
Call for More Summer Plumbing Tips & Services!
We hope these summer plumbing maintenance tips for your Levittown home have been helpful. A little bit of preventative care can go a long way in keeping your plumbing system in check all season long. Should you have any questions or need a professional plumber to assist you with any of the tasks mentioned above, please don't hesitate to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®.
Our team of friendly and experienced plumbers is always ready to provide you with reliable service and expert advice. Enjoy a worry-free summer knowing your home's plumbing is in good hands.
