Ah, summertime. The sun’s out, your friends are over, and the backyard is prepped for the perfect Aussie barbecue. Then, disaster strikes. An overflowing pipe or blocked drain throws a wrench in the day.
Outdoor plumbing often bears the brunt of summer activities, so ensuring it’s in good shape before the party season can save you from unwelcome surprises and hidden costs. Here’s how to get your outdoor plumbing in top shape, leaving you to focus on enjoying the holiday fun with your family and friends.
Why Outdoor Plumbing Needs Special Attention in Summer
Australian summers bring with them a surge in entertaining and outdoor activities. Whether you’re hosting a pool party, tending to a thirsty garden, or setting up your outdoor kitchen, these activities all put additional pressure on your plumbing system. Pool systems, garden hoses, outdoor sinks, and sprinkler systems get more use than usual, and without regular upkeep, they can quickly develop issues, usually just when you need them most.
Water conservation becomes even more important as temperatures rise, especially during summer when demand is high, and restrictions are often in place across NSW. Faulty plumbing can lead to water wastage, inflated bills, and inconvenience. By giving your outdoor plumbing the love it deserves, you’re not only prepping for enjoyable summer days but also helping conserve a precious and in-demand resource.
Common Outdoor Plumbing Problems
Since outdoor plumbing is exposed to the elements and often less visible than its indoor counterpart, issues can often go unnoticed for months.
Common outdoor plumbing problems that homeowners face include:
- Leaky taps and garden hoses. Dripping taps and hoses are easy to ignore, but they can lead to wastewater wastage and high bills over time. Even a small drip can waste hundreds of litres of water if left unchecked for more than a few days.
- Blocked drains or outdoor sinks. Leaves, soil and debris that’s built up can quickly clog outdoor drains and sinks, leading to slow drainage or even complete blockages. This often results in water pooling around your property, which can lead to damaged foundations and landscaping and slipping hazards.
- Low water pressure in outdoor taps. When you’re trying to wash down your patio or water the garden, and nothing comes out but a trickle of water, it can be frustrating. Low water pressure can be caused by blockages, leaks or issues with the main water supply.
- Malfunctioning sprinklers and irrigation systems. Summer is prime time for keeping lawns and gardens green- they need a lot of love and care to keep them happy under the harsh Australian sun. However, issues with sprinkler plumbing can lead to dry patches, overwatering or wasted water.
Summer Plumbing Checklist
You can use this simple checklist to ensure your outdoor plumbing is summer-ready:
- Inspect outdoor taps and hoses for leaks. Start with an inspection and look closely for drips and wet areas around fittings. Tighten any loose connections and replace any worn washers. Even minor leaks can add up in water wastage and bills.
- Test sprinklers and irrigation systems. Run your sprinklers and irrigation system to check for clogs, leaks or uneven spray patterns. Clean your sprinkler heads and ensure nothing is obstructing the spray.
- Clean and clear drains and gutters. Leaves, dirt and debris build up quicker than you would think, easily blocking everything from guttering to stormwater drains.
- Check outdoor kitchens for water pressure and drainage issues.
If you have an outdoor kitchen, ensure the water pressure is adequate for washing and cooking needs and that drains aren’t blocked. Low pressure or slow drainage can make outdoor cooking more of a hassle than it’s worth. - Consider upgrading to water-saving fixtures. Eco-friendly tap fittings, hoses and sprinklers can significantly reduce your water consumption. They’re a worthwhile investment, especially when summer water usage spikes.
- Assess pool plumbing systems. Pool plumbing often goes under the radar, but pool leaks and blockages in the system can waste water and increase running costs. Check for signs of leaks, and keep an eye on water levels.
- Ensure patios and decks have proper drainage and no wood rot. Patios and decks should have adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling after summer storms. Also, inspect the wood for signs of rot or water damage, especially around joins and support beams.
- Identifying and fixing leaks. Leaks can occur anywhere, any time: from hidden pipes to visible taps. Conduct a water meter test if you suspect a hidden leak: turn off all the water and check the meter. If it’s still running, you’ve probably got a leak, which, apart from the associated water loss and costs, is also a health risk.
- Dealing with pipe corrosion or repetitive blockages. Corrosion and repeated drain blockages signal deeper issues that could worsen over time. Regular maintenance and pipe relining when necessary can prevent expensive repairs later.
- Cutting back trees and removing tree roots. We all know trees are beautiful, but did you know they can wreak havoc on your underground pipes? Cut back large roots near plumbing and consult professionals for tree removal if necessary.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, DIY fixes aren’t enough and calling a professional plumber is the only choice. Persistent leaks, low pressure, or complex irrigation issues require expertise and specialised tools that home DIYer just don’t have.
Professional inspections are particularly beneficial if you’re prepping for guests or unpredictable weather. Booking an inspection will help identify problems before they become bigger issues saving you both time and money.
Need to Know What’s Going On Down Below?
Want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your outdoor pipes are ready for summer entertaining? Drain camera inspections offer a clear view of your underground plumbing, helping spot blockages, cracks or other issues before they blow a gasket and disrupt your plans.
Book a drain inspection with The Relining Company today and make sure your plumbing is up to the task.
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