Summer Plumbing Tips: Protect Your Plumbing & Save Money in Colorado Springs

Why Summer Water Usage Spikes—and Why It Matters

Summers in Colorado Springs are warm, dry, and packed with activity—outdoor chores, garden watering, summer guests, and kids home from school. While all of that makes for great memories, it also places a huge demand on your home’s plumbing system.

Most homeowners see a noticeable increase in water bills during the summer, but what they don’t always realize is that unaddressed plumbing issues can turn those bills into costly repairs. The good news? A few smart steps can keep your system running smoothly and your water usage under control.

In this post, we’re breaking down essential Summer Plumbing Tips to help you stay ahead of the heat, the water spikes, and any plumbing disasters.

Summer Plumbing Tips for a Stress-Free Season

Staying on top of your plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few seasonal checks can make a big difference. Here are our top Summer Plumbing Tips to protect your system and save money this season.

1. Check for Outdoor Leaks Early

Your garden hoses, outdoor faucets (spigots), and sprinkler lines get heavy use in summer. Inspect all outdoor water sources for:

• Leaks around hose bibs and faucets
• Cracks in hoses or sprinkler tubing
• Puddles or soggy areas in your yard

Even a slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month—and lead to erosion or foundation issues if ignored.

2. Schedule a Sprinkler System Tune-Up

A malfunctioning sprinkler head can flood a single section of your lawn or waste water by spraying onto sidewalks or driveways. Ensure your irrigation system is:

• Watering evenly and on a schedule
• Turning off automatically
• Aligned to avoid waste

Professional plumbing services in Colorado Springs can inspect and adjust your sprinkler system for peak performance.

3. Be Mindful of Sewer Line Issues

Warmer weather can worsen root growth around your underground pipes, especially if you’ve had backups in the past. If you notice:

• Slow drains
• Gurgling toilets
• Foul odors outside

It might be time to have your sewer line professionally inspected. Summer is the ideal season to do this before heavy rainfall or root infiltration causes a backup.

4. Flush Your Water Heater

Your water heater works year-round, but sediment can build up even faster in the summer due to increased water usage. If you’ve never flushed your tank before, or it’s been more than a year, now’s the time to:

• Remove sediment buildup
• Improve energy efficiency
• Extend your unit’s lifespan

Note: Always turn off the electricity or gas before attempting to flush your water heater—or call a professional to help.

5. Test Your Sump Pump

If your home has a basement or crawl space, your sump pump protects you from summer storms and flash flooding. To test it:

• Pour a bucket of water into the pit
• Listen for the pump to activate and remove the water
• Check for any odors or rust

If your sump pump isn’t working reliably, have it inspected by a licensed plumber to avoid water damage during summer storms.

6. Conserve Water Where You Can

Water conservation is key to reducing costs and helping Colorado Springs manage its drought-prone climate. Use these smart tips:

• Run dishwashers and laundry machines only when full
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Water lawns during early morning or late evening
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation

The Ultimate Summer Plumbing Checklist

To keep things simple, here’s a quick summer plumbing checklist to help you stay proactive:

• [ ] Inspect hoses and outdoor faucets
• [ ] Test and tune your sprinkler system
• [ ] Schedule a sewer line inspection if needed
• [ ] Flush the water heater
• [ ] Check your sump pump
• [ ] Conserve water with smart daily habits

By checking these off now, you can avoid emergency plumbing issues later in the season.

Get Professional Plumbing Help in Colorado Springs

Even if you’re handy, some plumbing tasks are best left to the pros—especially when it comes to your water heater, sewer line, or water pressure issues.

At Rocky Mountain Plumbing Services, we offer expert plumbing services in Colorado Springs, including:

• Seasonal plumbing inspections
• Water heater maintenance
• Leak detection and repair
• Sprinkler system plumbing
• Sewer camera inspections

We’re locally owned, family-run, and committed to helping homeowners keep their systems efficient, reliable, and safe—no matter the season.