What to Watch For and How to Prevent Costly Repairs
Summer in Dallas means more than just hot weather and backyard BBQs—it means more plumbing problems. With kids home from school, house guests visiting and irrigation systems working overtime your plumbing system sees a lot more action during the summer months.
At Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical we’ve seen how Dallas homeowners get caught off guard by seasonal plumbing issues. Knowing what to watch for can help you prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches. Here are the most common summer plumbing problems in Dallas—and what you can do about them.
Why it happens:
More people at home during the summer means more toilets, sinks and showers being used. This increased use can cause clogs—especially if kids or guests flush things they shouldn’t.
Signs to watch for:
Slow draining sinks or tubs
Gurgling noises from drains
Frequent toilet backups
What you can do:
Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris and don’t flush wipes, cotton balls or paper towels. If plunging doesn’t solve the issue it’s time to call in a professional plumber to clear the line safely and effectively.
Why it happens:
Dallas summers are known for sudden downpours and intense thunderstorms. Excessive rain can overload the municipal sewer system and push water—and sewage—back into your home’s pipes. Tree roots grow aggressively in warm months and can invade older or damaged sewer lines.
Signs to watch for:
Multiple drains backing up at once
Foul odors near drains or in the yard
Wet patches or sinkholes in your lawn
What you can do:
Have your sewer lines inspected annually—especially if your home is over 20 years old. Baker Brothers offers camera inspections to identify root intrusions, blockages and cracks before they become a disaster.
Summer means BBQs, fresh fruits and veggies and lots of food prep. Unfortunately not all scraps belong in the disposal. Stringy veggies (like corn husks and celery), grease and bones can clog or damage the blades.
Signs to watch for:
Loud humming without grinding
Slow draining sink
Foul smells coming from the disposal
What you can do:
Run cold water before and after using the disposal, don’t dump grease or fibrous scraps and never overload it. If your disposal jams or stops working don’t use your hands—call a licensed plumber instead.
Why it happens:
Outdoor plumbing gets used more in summer for watering lawns, filling pools or running slip-and-slides. After months of disuse you may discover leaks in hose bibs or sprinkler heads damaged by freezing temperatures during winter.
Signs to watch for:
Dripping outdoor spigots
Puddles around sprinkler heads
Uneven watering or low water pressure in irrigation zones
What you can do:
Inspect outdoor faucets and irrigation lines early in the season. Tighten fittings, replace washers and schedule a sprinkler system check-up with Baker Brothers to ensure optimal performance and water conservation.
Why it happens:
It may be summer but your water heater still works hard—especially with extra loads of laundry, dishes and showers. Sediment buildup from Dallas’s hard water can affect performance and efficiency.
Signs to watch for:
Fluctuating water temperature
Rumbling or popping noises
Discolored or rusty water
What you can do:
Flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment. If your water heater is over 10 years old it may be time to consider a replacement. Baker Brothers offers tank and tankless water heater installations, with expert advice on the best option for your home.
Why it happens:
Laundry loads often increase in the summer whether from sweaty clothes, pool towels or extra guests. Over time washing machine hoses can wear out or crack and leak or even flood.
Signs to watch for:
Water pooling behind the washer* Bulging or cracked hoses
Musty smell in the laundry room
What you can do:
Inspect hoses regularly and replace them every 5 years, or sooner if you see signs of wear. Consider switching to stainless steel braided hoses for added durability.
Why it happens:
High soil temperatures and shifting ground conditions during hot Dallas summers can stress underground pipes especially in older homes. This can lead to hidden leaks beneath your foundation—known as slab leaks.
Signs to watch for:
Unexplained increase in your water bill
Warm spots on your floor
Sound of running water with no visible leaks
What you can do:
If you suspect a slab leak act quickly. Delayed repairs can lead to serious foundation damage. Baker Brothers specializes in non-invasive slab leak detection and repair, using advanced equipment to pinpoint the problem with minimal disruption.
At Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical we’re here to help you stay ahead of summer plumbing problems with fast, reliable service and long lasting solutions. Whether it’s a clogged drain, a faulty outdoor faucet or a hidden slab leak our licensed Dallas plumbers are just a call away.
📞 Call us today at 214-617-8006
💻 Schedule service online at bakerbrothersplumbing.com
Enjoy your summer—let us handle the plumbing.
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