The Most Common Summer Plumbing Problems in Columbia Homes (and How to Fix Them)

Summer in Columbia, Missouri, brings sunny days, barbecue nights, and… plumbing mishaps? That’s right. The warmer months can take a toll on your home’s plumbing system in unexpected ways. At Brian Wear Plumbing, we’ve tackled every summer plumbing crisis imaginable. From backyard cookout aftermaths to the chaos of a house full of guests, these issues tend to strike at the most inconvenient times.

But don’t worry—we’re here to help you prepare. Here’s a handy guide to the most common plumbing problems homeowners face during summer and what you can do to prevent them.

Clogged Garbage Disposals After Summer Feasts

Summer is the prime season for cookouts, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. But all those fresh corn husks, watermelon rinds, and peach pits can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal. Despite its name, your garbage disposal isn’t equipped to handle everything.

Why These Issues Happen:

• Tough items like corn husks or watermelon rinds can jam the disposal.
• Greasy remnants from barbecue meals can coat the blades, reducing performance.
• Small fruit pits can damage the blades over time.

Quick Fixes and Tips:

• Set up a “Do Not Dispose” bin for food items that aren’t disposal-friendly.
• Always run cold water before and after using your disposal.
• Avoid grinding hard food items like bones or fruit pits at all costs.

Washing Machine Overload from Summer Activities

Whether it’s post-lake day towels or stained kids’ sports uniforms, summer means more laundry. This extra workload can stress your washing machine, causing leaks, unbalanced loads, and even burnout.

Watch Out for These Signs:

• A wobbling washing machine during the spin cycle indicates overloading.
• Water puddles appearing under the machine signal possible leaks.
• Loud clanging noises could mean your machine is unbalanced.

How to Keep Your Washer Happy:

• Spread laundry loads across the week instead of piling them all into one day.
• Check the machine’s hoses for cracks or bulges; replace them if necessary.
• Clean the washing machine filter and drain pump regularly.

Toilet Troubles from Extra Guests

Between family visits, pool parties, and kids home from college, summer often brings a surge in toilet usage. This can lead to clogs, running toilets, and handle issues that you may have to awkwardly explain to guests.

Common Complaints:

• Toilets that won’t stop running.
• Clogs from overuse or flushing non-flushable items.
• Handles that require odd “jiggle techniques” to function.

Solutions:

• Remind everyone of the “three Ps only” rule for toilets (Pee, Poop, and Paper).
• Equip every bathroom with a plunger.
• Consider a professional inspection before a big family gathering to avoid embarrassing moments.

Sewer Line Backups During Summer Storms

Columbia summers are notorious for sudden thunderstorms, which can overwhelm older sewer systems. Combine heavy rain with aggressive tree root growth, and you’ve got a recipe for a backed-up sewer line.

Signs of a Sewer Problem:

• Multiple drains are backing up at the same time.
• Gurgling noises from the toilet when you use the sink.
• A sewage odor that won’t go away.

What You Can Do:

• Schedule a camera inspection for sewer lines, especially if your home has mature trees nearby or is over 20 years old.
• Know where your sewer cleanout is located for a quicker fix during emergencies.

Water Heater Overload from Extra Showers

The humidity in Columbia means summer often feels sticky and uncomfortable. People start taking longer and more frequent showers, which can strain a water heater already working overtime with extra houseguests and laundry.

Summer Water Heater Issues:

• Sediment buildup from Missouri’s hard water can reduce efficiency.
• Increased water temperature can cause higher system pressure, leading to leaks.

Maintenance Tips:

• Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment and improve performance.
• Test the pressure relief valve regularly.
• If hot water is always running out, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater for better efficiency.

Dripping Outdoor Faucets and Leaky Hoses

Your outdoor faucets and hoses see far more use in summer, whether it’s for gardening, filling up kiddie pools, or washing the car. These increased demands can bring hidden leaks or issues to light.

Typical Outdoor Faucet Problems:

• Slow leaks that waste water and increase your utility bill.
• Cracks in fittings that turn your faucet into an unintentional sprinkler system.

Tips for Care:

• Fix worn-out washers in your hose connections to avoid leaks.
• Invest in those timers to prevent overwatering your garden or leaving the tap on.
• Inspect your outdoor faucets for winter damage as soon as spring arrives.

When to Call Brian Wear Plumbing

While some plumbing issues can be managed with quick fixes, others require professional attention before they spiral into full-blown disasters. Here’s when to give us a call:

• Water is spraying or pooling where it shouldn’t.
• You notice multiple drains backing up, which could mean a sewer issue.
• Strange sounds or smells suggest water heater trouble or sewer backup.
• Spikes in your water bill that can’t be explained by higher summer usage.

Keep Your Summer Plumbing Stress-Free

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, not overshadowed by unexpected plumbing disasters. A simple preventative inspection from Brian Wear Plumbing can save you from expensive emergencies while keeping your household running smoothly.

From clogged disposals to sewer backups, we’ve seen it all and fixed it all. Contact us today to schedule your summer plumbing checkup. With solutions tailored to Columbia’s unique climate and plumbing challenges, we’ll make sure your summer flows exactly as it should, with no surprises. Because the only splashes you should be worrying about are from the swimming pool.