How to Beat Dayton's Heat: Your Summer Plumbing Survival Guide

Dayton summers are famous for two things: the heat and the humidity. While we all love getting outside for a bike ride or enjoying a festival, that hot, sticky weather can put a serious strain on your home’s plumbing. From increased water usage to smelly drains, a lot can go wrong when the temperatures rise.

As your friendly neighborhood plumbing experts, Roto-Rooter wants to help you beat the heat and avoid a summer plumbing disaster. We've put together a survival guide with everything you need to know so that you can enjoy the season without having to worry about your pipes.

The Strain of Summer: Why Plumbing Problems Get Worse

The scorching sun and high humidity of a Dayton summer create a perfect storm for plumbing issues. When everyone is home during the day, we’re all using more water. This extra demand on your system can expose existing weaknesses, like small leaks or low water pressure.

But one of the biggest issues we see is that the heat can make drain odors much, much worse. That foul smell coming from your kitchen sink or garbage disposal isn't just unpleasant — it's a sign that decaying food particles, grease, and other debris are building up in your drain lines. The high temperatures and humidity accelerate this decomposition, making the smell more intense and creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Keep Your Drains and Garbage Disposal Clean

Your garbage disposal works hard, but it's not invincible. The best way to prevent summer smells and clogs is to be smart about what you put down it. Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables like celery, or pasta down the drain. Instead, run cold water for about 30 seconds after you finish using the disposal to help flush any remaining food particles through the pipes. You can also clean it by grinding up a handful of ice cubes and a few lemon peels.

Check for Leaks

Summer is the perfect time to inspect your home for hidden plumbing leaks. Here’s what to check:

• Under sinks: Look for moisture, warping, or water stains.
• Around toilet bases: Watch for pooling water or a wobbly toilet.
• Behind appliances: Especially your washing machine and dishwasher, where leaks often go unnoticed.
• Unusual spikes in your water bill: These can signal a hidden leak.

With citywide water pressure often higher in summer, even a small leak can turn into a major issue. Catch it early to avoid mold, water damage, and costly repairs.

Maintain Your Water Heater

With all the extra showers and laundry, your water heater is working overtime in the summer. Check your water heater's pressure relief valve to ensure it's functioning correctly. It's also a good idea to schedule a professional water heater flush to remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency and shorten its lifespan. This is especially important in Dayton, where our hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate quickly.

Mind Your Outdoor Plumbing

Summer yard work means heavy outdoor water usage. Proactive checks now can prevent bigger problems as fall approaches. Don’t overlook these key areas:

• Inspect garden hoses and spigots: Look for cracks, drips, or worn-out washers.
• Check irrigation lines: Leaks here can waste water and drive up your bill.
• Secure your sewer cleanout cap: Prevents debris and pests from entering the system.
• Watch for unexpected water bill spikes: A sign that something might be leaking underground.

Clogged Toilets and Drains

Increased guest traffic and general usage can put a strain on your drains and toilets. If a plunger won't clear a toilet clog, don't keep plunging. You could overflow the toilet and cause water damage. For clogs in your sink or tub, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners. These products can be corrosive and damage your pipes over time. Instead, a professional drain cleaning service can get to the root of the problem and completely clear the line.

The Dreaded Sewer Line Backup

A sewer line backup is one of the worst plumbing nightmares, and a sudden increase in household water usage in the summer can overwhelm a weak sewer line. Signs of a backup include gurgling toilets, multiple slow drains, or wastewater backing up into your tub or shower. If you experience this, it's critical to stop using water immediately and call a professional. A Roto-Rooter plumber can perform a camera inspection to identify the problem, whether it's a clog, a tree root invasion, or a broken pipe, and fix it fast.

Low Water Pressure

If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, especially during peak usage hours, it could be a sign of a number of issues. It could be due to a city-wide demand spike, but it could also be a symptom of a hidden leak, a valve problem, or mineral buildup from hard water in your pipes. Our experienced plumbing technicians can diagnose the cause and get your pressure back to normal.

Your Partner for Plumbing All Summer Long

Don't let plumbing problems ruin your summer fun. By taking a few preventative steps and knowing what to do if a problem arises, you can keep your Dayton home running smoothly.

Roto-Rooter’s plumbers are on call 24/7, 365 days a year to handle any emergency you might face, from a stubborn clog to a sewer line backup. We've been trusted and recommended since 1935, and our experienced team uses industrial-grade equipment to get the job done right. Roto-Rooter is fully licensed and insured, so you can have peace of mind knowing you're in good hands.

If you have a plumbing issue this summer, give Dayton Roto-Rooter a call at 800-768-6911.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Plumbing

What causes smelly drains in the summer? 

Hot and humid weather accelerates the decomposition of food particles, grease, and other debris that can get trapped in your drain lines, causing foul odors to become more intense.

Why does my water pressure drop in the summer? 

Increased water usage by multiple households in the summer can lead to a drop in municipal water pressure. However, it can also be a sign of a hidden leak or a blockage in your home’s pipes.

Is it okay to use chemical drain cleaners for summer clogs? 

It's best to avoid chemical drain cleaners. While they might provide a temporary fix, they can be corrosive and cause damage to your pipes over time, leading to more expensive problems in the future.