Seasonal Plumbing Tips & Tricks
Your Year-Round Guide to Plumbing Health in Abilene, Texas
At Bryant’s Plumbing, we know how unpredictable Texas weather can be , scorching summers, surprise freezes, and everything in between. That’s why we created this helpful resource page full of seasonal tips to keep your plumbing running smoothly all year long. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, these tips are designed to help you avoid plumbing issues before they become plumbing emergencies.
Spring Tips
Time to Refresh and Inspect
- Check for winter damage. As things warm up, inspect outdoor faucets, pipes, and sprinkler systems for cracks caused by freezing temps.
- Clear slow drains. Spring pollen and yard work can introduce debris into drains — clean them out now to prevent backups.
- Inspect your water heater. Sediment can build up after heavy winter use. Consider draining the tank or scheduling a flush.
- Test your sump pump (if applicable). Heavy spring rains can overwhelm drainage systems , make sure yours is ready.
Summer Tips
Save Water and Prepare for Heat
- Watch your water pressure. Heat causes pipes to expand and the ground to shift, potentially affecting underground plumbing lines.
- Use water wisely. Avoid watering during the heat of the day to save water and reduce pressure on your plumbing system.
- Vacation prep. If you’re leaving town, shut off the water main and check for leaks before you go.
- Inspect your washing machine hoses. Summer laundry loads increase. Look for wear and tear to prevent leaks or bursts.
- Don't leave your hose in the pool. Leaving a hose submerged in your pool can cause water to siphon back into the public water system, creating a contamination risk.
Fall Tips
Prep for Cooler Weather
- Disconnect garden hoses. Leaving hoses attached can cause faucets to freeze and burst when temps drop.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Especially in garages, attics, and crawl spaces, this is a small task that prevents big winter disasters.
- Schedule a water heater inspection. Colder water temperatures mean your heater works harder, fall is a great time for a tune-up.
- Check for outdoor drainage issues. Clear leaves from gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling near your foundation.
Winter Tips
Protect Against Freezing and Bursts
- Drip faucets during hard freezes. A slow drip can keep water moving and help prevent frozen pipes.
- Open cabinet doors. Allow warm air to circulate around under-sink pipes, especially on exterior walls.
- Know where your shut-off valve is. In case a pipe does freeze and burst, you’ll want to shut off your water quickly.
- Seal up drafts. Cold air sneaking into your home can lead to frozen interior pipes. Use weatherstripping and insulation to help.
