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Summer Plumbing Checklist for Florida Homeowners

Branded image for the blog post Summer Plumbing Checklist for Florida Homeowners.

Summer Plumbing Checklist for Florida Homeowners

Beat the Heat and Avoid Mid-Summer Plumbing Nightmares

Summers in Florida aren’t just hot, they’re intense. From sudden afternoon downpours to skyrocketing water usage, your home’s plumbing system faces a unique set of seasonal challenges. The good news? A little summer plumbing maintenance goes a long way.

At Complete Plumbing and Drain, we know what Florida homeowners are up against. As a family-owned and locally operated company founded by Chris McConnell, a third-generation plumber, we’ve been proudly serving Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, and the greater Tampa Bay area with integrity, honesty, service, excellence, and professionalism.

Our mission is simple: protect your home and provide peace of mind, all year long.

So, that is why we have decided to post this blog. Let’s walk through your ultimate summer plumbing checklist with expert tips and advice to keep your system flowing smoothly.

1. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs

Outdoor spigots and hose bibs often take a beating in the spring, especially if you’ve been watering the lawn, washing cars, or using sprinklers. A leaking faucet may seem minor, but over time, it can result in gallons of wasted water and a much higher utility bill.

What to check:

  • Drips or slow leaks
     
  • Rust or corrosion around the spout
     
  • Water pooling around the base
     
  • Low water pressure or irregular flow
     

Catching these issues early helps prevent water damage and reduces the need for more invasive repairs. If you spot anything unusual, give our plumbing repair experts a call—we’ll take care of it before it turns into a costly mess.

2. Give Your Drains a Mid-Year Refresh

Between summer cookouts, houseguests, and longer showers, your drains are working overtime. Hair, soap scum, food scraps, and oils can build up quickly and cause backups—especially if your pipes haven’t been cleaned in a while.

Quick DIY tips:

  • Use a mix of vinegar and baking soda followed by hot water
     
  • Avoid pouring grease or coffee grounds down the sink
     
  • Install hair catchers in bathroom drains
     
  • Flush your kitchen sink with boiling water weekly
     

Already dealing with sluggish drains or unpleasant smells? It might be time for professional drain cleaning services. We offer both traditional snaking and advanced hydro jetting to clear even the toughest clogs.

3. Check Your Water Heater’s Performance

Don’t let the summer heat fool you—your water heater still works hard year-round. Showers, laundry, and dishwashing can push it to the limit. Summer is the perfect time to flush the tank, check for rust or leaks, and make sure it’s operating at peak efficiency.

Red flags include:

  • Lukewarm or inconsistent water temperature
     
  • Strange noises (popping or gurgling)
     
  • Visible rust or water pooling around the tank
     
  • It’s more than 10 years old
     

If you notice any of these signs, call us to inspect your system. We specialize in water heater repair and replacement, including energy-efficient options that save you money and reduce energy use.

4. Test Sump Pumps Before Hurricane Season

Florida’s rainy season brings heavy storms, which can overwhelm your sump pump if it’s not ready. This small but mighty device prevents water from flooding your basement or crawl space.

Here’s how to test it:

  • Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
     
  • Make sure the float rises and activates the pump
     
  • The pump should turn on and drain the water quickly
     
  • Listen for any strange sounds or smells
     

If your sump pump fails the test, don’t wait. Water damage can be devastating—and expensive. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing services mean we’re always just a phone call away.

5. Watch Out for Tree Root Invasion

Tree roots are notorious for sneaking into sewer lines, especially during Florida’s hot, wet summers when root growth accelerates. A small crack in your sewer pipe is all it takes for roots to invade and cause a major blockage.

Common signs of root intrusion:

  • Frequent clogs or slow drains
     
  • Gurgling toilets or bubbling drains
     
  • Unusual odors in your yard or home
     
  • Soggy or unusually green patches in your lawn
     

Our team offers video inspection services to pinpoint exactly where the issue lies. If we detect root intrusion, we’ll recommend solutions like hydro jetting, which safely removes roots and restores your plumbing’s flow.

6. Inspect Toilets and Fixtures

Silent toilet leaks are sneaky and wasteful. One leaking toilet can lose up to 200 gallons of water a day without any obvious signs.

Here’s a simple test:
Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. If you see color in the bowl, you’ve got a leak.

We can help with everything from worn flappers and faulty fill valves to full toilet replacements. And if you’re renovating your bathroom this summer, don’t forget—we handle re-piping, fixture installation, and plumbing upgrades for both residential and commercial spaces.

7. Protect Pipes in Uncooled Spaces

Although freezing isn’t a concern during Florida’s summer, extreme heat and humidity can still impact your plumbing—especially in garages, attics, and outdoor kitchens. UV exposure and heat expansion can weaken pipes over time.

Preventive steps:

  • Insulate exposed pipes
     
  • Use UV-resistant coverings for outdoor piping
     
  • Keep irrigation systems in check with timers and backflow devices
     

If you notice moisture buildup or condensation on pipes, it’s worth getting them inspected. We offer comprehensive leak detection and slab leak repair to stop issues before they become emergencies.

8. Schedule a Professional Summer Plumbing Inspection

Some problems can’t be seen from the outside, and that’s where we come in. A full plumbing inspection from Complete Plumbing and Drain gives you a clear picture of your system’s health.

We check:

  • Water pressure levels
     
  • Pipe conditions
     
  • Signs of corrosion or wear
     
  • Early warning signs of slab leaks
     
  • Appliance hose integrity
     
  • Water heater efficiency
     

From residential plumbing to commercial new construction, our licensed plumbers provide honest, professional evaluations without the upsell.

Why Choose Complete Plumbing and Drain?

At Complete Plumbing and Drain, we’re not just another plumbing company — we’re part of your community. When you call us, you’re calling neighbors who genuinely care about your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

  • Family-owned and locally operated
    We’ve built our business right here in the heart of your community, serving families just like yours. As a family-owned company, we believe in treating every customer like one of our own.

  • Founded by Chris McConnell, a third-generation plumber with roots in the trade since 1973
    Plumbing runs deep in our family. Chris brings decades of hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and old-school work ethic passed down through generations — all combined with today’s modern solutions.

  • Committed to integrity, honesty, service, excellence, and professionalism
    We believe trust is earned, not given. That’s why we show up on time, do the job right the first time, and treat your home with the care and respect it deserves — every single visit.

  • Offering 24/7 emergency plumbing services for your peace of mind
    Plumbing problems don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Whether it’s midnight or a holiday, you can count on us to answer your call and get things under control fast.

  • Proudly serving Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, and the Tampa Bay area
    We’re proud to serve the neighborhoods we live in. Tampa Bay isn’t just where we work — it’s where we raise our families, attend church, coach little league, and support local businesses right alongside you.

Our skilled team specializes in:

  • Drain Cleaning

  • Water Heaters & Softeners

  • Leak Detection

  • Slab Leaks

  • Re-piping

  • Video Inspection

  • Hydro Jetting

  • Commercial New Construction Plumbing

Whether you’ve got a dripping faucet that’s driving you crazy or you’re planning a full re-pipe of your home or business, we’ll guide you through every step with experience, care, and personal attention. When you trust Complete Plumbing and Drain, you’re getting more than service, you’re getting a team that stands behind their work and genuinely cares about keeping your home safe and comfortable.

Want to Conserve Water While You're at It?

Summer is a great time to make your home more water-efficient. The EPA WaterSense program offers helpful tips for reducing waste and choosing eco-friendly fixtures that can lower your bill without sacrificing performance. Check it out for even more helpful ideas!

Wrapping Up Your Summer Plumbing Checklist

A little preparation can prevent a whole lot of frustration. Taking care of your plumbing during the summer helps you:

  • Lower your water bills
     
  • Avoid costly emergency repairs
     
  • Protect your home from weather-related damage
     
  • Keep your household running smoothly during peak usage
     

When in doubt, let the professionals handle it.

Need help checking off your summer plumbing checklist?

Contact Complete Plumbing and Drain today to schedule a service or inspection. We're ready 24/7 to keep your plumbing in top shape—so you can enjoy your Florida summer, worry-free.