In San Diego, summer isn’t just a season—it’s a lifestyle. Between backyard BBQs in Chula Vista, pool parties in Escondido, and out-of-town guests crashing at your place to hit the beach, your home’s plumbing is about to go into overtime.
Before you fire up the grill, the experts at Perry Plumbing San Diego want to make sure your pipes are ready for the heat. Here is your ultimate summer plumbing checklist to avoid a mid-party disaster.
1. The “Guest Room” Pressure Test
With the kids home from school and relatives visiting, your bathrooms are about to handle double the usual volume.
- The Problem: A slow-draining shower or a slightly finicky toilet might be manageable for a family of three, but it will fail completely with a house full of guests.
- The Fix: Test your guest bathroom now. Flush the toilet several times and run the shower for 10 minutes. If you see standing water, you need a professional drain clearing before your guests arrive.
2. Outdoor Kitchen & Hose Bib Check
The San Diego sun is brutal on rubber and plastic. After a long, dry winter, your outdoor plumbing may have suffered.
- Inspect the Hose Bibs: Check the faucets on the side of your house. If they leak when turned on, you’re wasting expensive San Diego water and risking a foundation leak.
- Outdoor Sinks: If you have an outdoor kitchen or bar, check the P-trap for leaks. Spiders and debris often clog these drains during the off-season.
3. The BBQ Disposal Danger Zone
During a summer BBQ, the kitchen sink becomes a catch-all for scraps.
- The Warning: Never put corn husks, watermelon rinds, or potato peels down the disposal. These fibrous and starchy items are the #1 cause of “holiday” clogs.
- The Tip: Keep a small trash can specifically for food scraps right next to the sink so guests aren’t tempted to “shred” things they shouldn’t.
4. Check Your Pool Filler & Irrigation
If you have a pool or an automatic sprinkler system, your water bill is already high in the summer.
- The Silent Leak: A malfunctioning pool auto-fill valve can leak thousands of gallons of water into the ground without you ever seeing a puddle.
- The Fix: Check your water meter before you go to bed. If it’s moving while no one is using water, you’ve got a hidden leak that needs immediate attention.
5. Dial Down the Water Heater
Since the incoming water in San Diego is much warmer in July than in January, your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard.
- Save Money: Lowering the temperature to 120°F (the “warm” setting) will save you money on your SDG&E bill and prevent accidental scalding for young guests.
Don’t Let a Clog Kill the Vibe
There is nothing worse than having to call a plumber while your burgers are on the grill. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in the SoCal heat.
Is your home ready for the summer rush? Call Perry Plumbing San Diego at 619-472-2112 today for a “Summer Prep” inspection. From clearing drains to fixing leaky outdoor faucets, we’ll make sure the only thing you’re worrying about this summer is the tan on your shoulders!
