Could This Heatwave Be Damaging Your Plumbing? 7 Things Every Homeowner Should Check When temperatures soar
- West Street Plumbers
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
When temperatures soar, most of us worry about keeping ourselves cool. The plumbing, meanwhile, is quietly getting on with its job... until it isn't.
Hot weather puts extra pressure on your home's plumbing system. Increased water use, changing ground conditions and expanding pipework can all contribute to problems that often go unnoticed until they become expensive.
The good news? A few simple checks can help you spot potential issues before they turn into emergency call-outs.
Here's what every homeowner should keep an eye on during a heatwave.
1. Check Your Outdoor Tap
Outdoor taps work overtime during warm weather. Whether you're watering the garden, filling paddling pools or washing the car, they're used far more than usual.
Take a minute to check for:
Drips when the tap is turned off
Leaks around the fittings
Cracks caused by age or wear
Loose connections where the pipe enters the wall
A slow drip might not seem like much, but it wastes thousands of litres of water over the course of a year and can increase your water bill.
2. Look Out for Pipe Expansion
Just as roads soften and railway tracks expand in hot weather, your plumbing is affected by heat too.
Copper and plastic pipes naturally expand as temperatures rise. Normally this isn't a problem, but older pipework or poorly secured pipes may begin to creak, knock or rub against walls and joists.
Signs to watch for include:
New knocking noises
Pipes moving more than usual
Small leaks appearing around joints
If you notice damp patches or dripping after prolonged hot weather, it's worth getting it checked before a minor leak becomes a major repair.
3. Is Your Water Pressure Lower Than Normal?
A drop in water pressure during a heatwave isn't always caused by your plumbing.
When everyone in the neighbourhood is watering gardens, filling pools and taking extra showers, demand on the local water supply increases. That can temporarily reduce mains pressure.
However, if:
Only your property is affected
The pressure doesn't improve
You notice damp patches or unusually high water bills
...you could have a hidden leak that needs investigating.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Hidden Leaks
Summer often means higher water bills simply because we use more water. That makes hidden leaks much harder to spot.
Check for:
Damp patches on walls or ceilings
Water stains under sinks
Constantly running toilets
Your water meter continuing to move when no water is being used
Even a small leak can waste significant amounts of water over time and cause costly damage if left untreated.
5. Don't Forget Your Drains
Summer brings BBQs, garden parties and plenty of cooking. Unfortunately, it can also bring blocked drains.
Grease, cooking fat and food scraps should never be poured down the sink, even if they seem to disappear at the time. As they cool, they solidify inside your pipes and gradually create stubborn blockages.
Outside, leaves, mud and garden debris can also clog gullies and drains after summer storms.
A little prevention now is much easier than dealing with an overflowing drain later.
6. Save Water Where You Can
With hotter summers becoming more common, every drop counts.
Simple ways to reduce water use include:
Fix dripping taps promptly
Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full
Water the garden early in the morning or late in the evening
Use a watering can instead of a hose where possible
Fit water-saving tap aerators if appropriate
Not only will you reduce your environmental impact, but you'll probably notice the difference on your next water bill too.
7. Know When It's Time to Call a Plumber
Some plumbing problems are easy to spot. Others quietly worsen behind walls and under floors.
It's worth calling a plumber if you notice:
Persistent low water pressure
Leaking pipes or taps
Damp patches appearing indoors
Unpleasant smells from drains
Repeated blockages
Water where it shouldn't be
Dealing with small issues early is almost always quicker, cheaper and far less stressful than waiting until they become emergencies.
Need a Reliable Plumber This Summer?
At West Street Plumbers, we provide friendly, professional plumbing services across North Surrey and South West London, seven days a week.
Whether you've discovered a leaking outdoor tap, have concerns about low water pressure or need help with an unexpected plumbing problem, we're here to help.
We believe in honest advice, quality workmanship and turning up when we say we will. Because plumbing problems rarely wait for convenient weather... or convenient days of the week.
If your plumbing is showing signs of struggling in the heat, get in touch with West Street Plumbers today. We'll help keep everything flowing smoothly, whatever the weather.