Summer in the Inland Northwest is short, and the last thing you want is a plumbing emergency eating into your time at the lake. The warmer months quietly put more strain on your home's plumbing than any other season.
At The Rooter Guys Plumbing, we see the same summer calls come in year after year across Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake. The good news is that almost every one of them is preventable. Here are the seven most common summer plumbing problems, what causes them, and how to avoid an unexpected repair bill.
1. Clogged and Slow Drains From Heavier Household Use
When school lets out, your home works harder. More showers, more cooking, and more dishwasher runs mean your drains rarely get a break, and that constant use is often what pushes a slow drain into a full clog. Keep grease out of the sink, use strainers, and if a drain is already slow, a professional drain cleaning now is far cheaper than an emergency later.
2. Garbage Disposal Jams From Summer Cooking
Backyard barbecues and garden harvests are hard on disposals. Corn husks, celery, potato peels, and melon rinds wrap around the blades or harden inside the line. Feed the disposal small amounts, skip fibrous and starchy scraps, and always run plenty of cold water. If it hums but will not spin, shut it off and call us before the motor is damaged.
3. Sewer Line Backups From Tree Root Intrusion
This is the big one in Spokane's older, tree-lined neighborhoods. Summer is peak growing season, and thirsty roots work into tiny cracks in your sewer line until they choke the pipe. Warning signs include multiple slow drains at once, gurgling toilets, or a foul smell in the yard. A video sewer camera inspection shows exactly what is happening, and hydro jetting clears the line completely.
4. Sump Pump Failures During Summer Storms
Eastern Washington summers bring sudden thunderstorms that test your sump pump, often the same storms that knock out power. Test yours by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to confirm it kicks on, consider a battery backup, and have any pump older than seven to ten years inspected before the next downpour.
5. Outdoor Faucet and Hose Bib Leaks
Spigots get heavy summer use, and a hose bib that cracked over the winter freeze may not show it until you turn it on in June. Inspect each faucet, and if water leaks while your thumb covers the opening, the valve needs repair. Upgrading to frost-proof hose bibs now saves headaches next winter.
6. Water Heater Strain and Sediment Buildup
Extra guests and laundry keep your water heater working hard, and Spokane's water leaves mineral sediment that makes it run less efficiently. Summer is the ideal time to flush the tank or plan a replacement. If your unit is over ten to twelve years old, ask us about a high-efficiency or tankless water heater, a popular upgrade for Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley families.
7. Plumbing Problems While You Are Away on Vacation
A failed supply line can flood your home while you are gone. Before any trip, shut off the main water valve, it takes thirty seconds and removes the risk entirely. At minimum, close the valves to your washing machine and dishwasher, and replace any washer hoses that look cracked or bulging.
24-Hour Emergency Service.
Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or returning from a weekend at the lake, plumbing issues never happen at a convenient time. When something cannot wait, we are ready with 24-hour emergency service, day or night.
Get Fast Local Plumbing Service
Do not let a small plumbing problem ruin your summer. Catching the warning signs early is the difference between a quick fix and a stressful emergency.
Call The Rooter Guys Plumbing today at (208) 772-4408 for fast plumbing service in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and across Eastern Washington, or request a quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do plumbing problems increase in the summer? Heavier household water use, more cooking and entertaining, active tree root growth, and sudden storms all strain your plumbing at once, which is why calls spike in the warmer months.
How do I know if tree roots are in my sewer line? Look for multiple slow drains at once, gurgling toilets, a sewage smell in the yard, or backups in the lowest drains. A video sewer camera inspection confirms exactly where roots have entered.
Is it worth cleaning a drain before it fully clogs? Yes. A slow drain is an early warning, and a professional cleaning now is cheaper and less disruptive than a complete backup later.
Should I shut off my water when I go on vacation? Absolutely. Shutting off the main valve before a trip is the best way to prevent a burst supply line from flooding your home while you are away.
Do you offer emergency plumbing service in Spokane and Spokane Valley? Yes. The Rooter Guys Plumbing provides fast emergency service throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and the surrounding Eastern Washington communities.