Summer Plumbing Tips: How Texas Heat and Drought Impact Your Plumbing—and What to Do About It

Texas summers bring extreme heat, record droughts, and high humidity – conditions that can stress any home’s plumbing system. In recent years, record-breaking temperatures have dried out soils and caused water mains and home pipes to crack statewide. Municipal water systems in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and beyond reported massive increases in leaks and water main breaks during drought conditions. That means more wasted water, higher bills, and costly repairs for homeowners. Fortunately, with some preventive maintenance and awareness, you can protect your pipes and fixtures. This guide covers the most common Texas summer plumbing issues and practical steps you can take today – plus when it’s time to call a professional.

Common Summer Plumbing Issues in Texas

Texas heat and drought affect plumbing in several ways. Below are key problems to watch for in summer:

1. Soil Shifting and Cracked Pipes

Why it happens: Parched ground in Texas’s clay-rich soils contracts during extended dry spells. As the soil shrinks unevenly around your house, it can pull or twist buried pipes, causing joints to separate or fittings to crack. The Texas Tribune reports that intense heat and low rainfall “dried up the soil, causing a shift in water lines… When the pipes shift, the pipe joints can break, causing water leaks”. Even private service lines to your home are vulnerable. Foundation experts note that expansive Texas clay “as soil expands and contracts it shifts, moving the foundation… Shifting soil can also lead to other problems such as uneven pressure on your home’s plumbing system. Pipes can crack causing leaks, and if the problem is not corrected you could be facing breakage and replacement of some or all of your plumbing, not to mention increased water bills if the leaks… go undetected”. In other words, undetected cracks underground or under slabs can silently waste water and erode your foundation.

“When the pipes shift, the pipe joints can break, causing water leaks.” – Erin Jones, City of Houston spokesman

Watch for wet spots in your yard, sinkholes, or unexplained puddles, which may signal an underground break. Also check your water meter: if it spins with all water off, you likely have a hidden leak.

2. Low Water Pressure and Pipe Expansion

Why it happens: High heat can heat water inside outdoor supply lines and cause pipes to expand slightly, sometimes loosening joints. More importantly, increased water demand (more garden watering, car washing, kids at home, etc.) can cause flow and pressure fluctuations. A Texas plumber notes that summer heat can affect pipes “just like winter can!”: diminished water pressure may signal a leak, corrosion or failing pipe that expanded/cracked in the heat. For example, if your shower suddenly weakens or faucets sputter, it could be a stress crack or blockage. Low pressure can also be a sign of grit or scale building up in older pipes.

“Sometimes low water pressure is just an annoyance… but it could also point to a larger problem. Pressure changes can be caused by leaks, corrosion build-up, and water supply malfunctions. If you’re experiencing lower-than-usual water pressure, it may be time to call a professional.” – CW Service Pros

Be alert to pressure changes, and check pressure regulator valves (PRVs) if you have them. Even temporary dips in pressure could indicate a developing leak somewhere in your system.

3. Hard Water and Mineral Scale Buildup

Why it happens: Many areas of Texas have very hard water (often over 200 ppm of dissolved minerals) due to local geology. In hot, dry weather with reduced flow, mineral-laden water can stagnate and leave heavier scale inside pipes, heaters, and faucets. Scale (calcium carbonate) narrows pipes and clogs fixtures over time. You might notice white crust on faucet aerators or showerheads, slower hot water recovery, or gritty deposits in kettles. Scale also reduces heater efficiency, since it insulates heating elements.

“Texas is 6th in the nation for statewide average water hardness… on the hard water scale, a measurement of 200 ppm falls within the very hard category.”

Tip: To combat scale, regularly clean aerator screens and showerheads (soaking them in vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits). Consider installing a whole-house water softener or a filter on your hot water tank if hardness is severe. At minimum, flush or de-lime your water heater periodically (see maintenance below) to remove sediment.

4. Increased Water Demand and Higher Bills

Why it happens: Summer brings more outdoor water use – sprinklers running, pools filling, more people at home doing dishes and laundry. Texas families see spikes in usage from June to August. This extra demand strains the system; even municipal leaders note that “customers’ [use] more water” during heatwaves, which “increases [stress] on the system despite conservation appeals”. On a smaller scale, you may notice your monthly bill climbing. Pools, lawn irrigation, and garden hoses account for many hidden leaks and waste in summer if not managed carefully.

Tip: Monitor your water meter and bills. If usage jumps unexpectedly, do a leak check (shut everything off and see if the meter still runs). Also, take advantage of Texas watering schedules: many cities restrict irrigation to certain days or times (for example, Austin allows hose-end sprinklers only one day a week, and only at night or dawn). Adhering to these restrictions prevents fines and helps keep your outdoor plumbing (sprinklers and hoses) in check.

5. Sprinkler and Irrigation System Failures

Why it happens: Sprinkler systems work overtime in summer. Hot sun, heavy use, and sun-heated ground can warp plastic risers and fixtures. Lines may heat-expand and crack, or rot away if UV-exposed. Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads waste water and cause dry patches on your lawn. Leak in the irrigation line can go unnoticed underground, wasting thousands of gallons. City codes usually require backflow prevention on irrigation systems to protect drinking water, so any repair needs a licensed plumber to ensure compliance.

Symptoms: Wet spots under sprinklers, spitting heads, or changes in sprinkler water pressure. Also, lawn edges that are greener than the rest may mean a nozzle leak.

Preventive Actions: Test your system before the peak heat each year. Replace any cracked heads or valves. Align heads properly so they don’t overspray sidewalks (and avoid watering midday, to cut evaporation). Use mulch or drought-resistant landscaping to reduce watering needs. A professional check of your in-ground system each spring can catch leaks early.

6. HVAC (Air Conditioning) Drain and Condensate Problems

Why it happens: Your air conditioner is a giant dehumidifier in summer, generating lots of condensate (water from the air). This water exits through a small drain or pan. If the drain clogs with mold or algae (common in warm, damp conditions), the pan can overflow and leak indoors, or the AC may shut off on safety float. Even a small drip from an AC line can encourage mold under the house or in walls.

Tip: Include the HVAC condensate line and pan in your summer checklist. Pour a cup of bleach or vinegar down the drain to clear organic growth. Clean the drip pan and check that the float switch (if any) is working. If you smell mold or notice water near the furnace or by the AC unit inside, get it fixed promptly. A clean HVAC drain prevents a hidden plumbing mess. (This is an HVAC issue, but many plumbers will service condensate lines as well.)

7. Water Heater Stress

Why it happens: You might think hot water demands drop in summer, but Texans still use hot showers, run dishwashers, and do laundry. Plus, the incoming cold water from main lines is warmer in summer, so you may need more mixing to get a tolerable shower. Older water heaters can overheat or run continuously trying to meet demand on hot days. Hard mineral-laden water accelerates sediment buildup in tanks. The extra strain can reveal leaks or weak seals in aging tanks.

Signs of trouble: Rumbling noises in the tank (from sediment), rusty water on flushing, or a gas heater pilot that keeps going out.

Advice: Schedule a mid-year water heater tune-up: drain a few gallons from the tank to flush out sediment (this simple step can improve efficiency and water quality). Check the temperature-pressure relief valve for leaks. In drought, consider lowering the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting (120°F is standard) to save energy. If your heater is over 10–15 years old, ask a pro to inspect it; summer is a good time to replace a failing unit rather than wait for winter. Some homeowners also consider switching to a tankless (on-demand) water heater, which reduces standby heat loss, but ensure it’s sized and installed by a licensed plumber.

8. Clogged Drains and Garbage Disposal Jams

Why it happens: Summer cookouts and family gatherings mean more cooking debris and grease in the kitchen. Florida fans, kids, pets – all contribute dirt. Grease (even light fats) can congeal in hot pipes once it cools. In summer, garbage disposals get more wear from vegetable peels and leftover bones or shells from barbecues. Even small leaks around drain pipes can catch food debris and clog.

“Keep your garbage disposal running smoothly by paying extra attention to what’s going in it. It might be tempting to throw all your barbecue scraps down the sink, but the extra grease and fat is a sure way to clog it. Run cold water before and after usage to clear away any residual waste.”

Tips: Never pour oil or bacon grease down any drain – wipe pans with a paper towel instead. When using the disposal, run a steady stream of cold water and avoid fibrous or starchy waste (potato skins, corn husks). Use strainers in sinks to catch food scraps. If a drain starts slowing (not just the disposal), consider a preventive treatment: a biological enzyme cleaner or a homemade mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. And never use harsh chemical drain cleaners in summer; if the blockage persists, call a plumber to snake the drain safely.

9. Bathtub, Toilet and Sewer Line Backups

Why it happens: Texas heat can spell trouble for sewer lines. Dry soil can settle around pipes, causing cracks or misalignment; at the same time, tree roots aggressively seek moisture and often invade stressed sewer pipes, leading to backups. If you have an older sewer line (clay pipe, for instance) any ground shift increases the chance of leaks or collapse. In homes on septic systems, drought can dry out leach fields making them less efficient.

Warning signs: Slow drains, gurgling toilets after heavy rain, bubbling in bathtubs, or sewage odors around floor drains. These indicate a possible partial blockage in a branch or main line.

Action: Do not ignore these signs – repairing a small clog is far easier and cheaper than a full line collapse. For main sewer lines, professional video inspection and cleaning is the safest route. In Austin and San Antonio, for example, the number of city water main breaks doubled this past summer, and many of those stressed systems also saw related sewer issues. If you suspect a sewer or septic problem, contact a licensed plumber or septic company right away.

What You Can Do Today

Ready to start protecting your plumbing from the Texas sun? Here are practical steps every homeowner can take now, before summer gets into full swing:

• Inspect for Leaks: Walk through your home and yard. Check under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters for any drips, stains or corrosion. In the yard, look at exposed supply lines and irrigation zones for wet spots or sinkholes. Fix small leaks (like a dripping faucet or a running toilet) immediately to conserve water and prevent bigger breaks.

• Test Your Water Meter: Turn off all water in the house, including ice makers and sprinkler controllers. Check the water meter; if it’s still moving, you have a leak somewhere. Tracking and repairing it can save hundreds of gallons over the summer.

• Clean Faucets and Showerheads: Unscrew and soak faucet aerators and showerheads in vinegar to remove mineral buildup. This restores flow and can actually improve water pressure. (This also helps you meet Texas code requirements for flow rates.)

• Maintain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Inspect hose bibs for drips; even a slow outdoor leak can waste thousands of gallons in Texas heat. Make sure hose connections are tight and consider adding an “antisiphon” vacuum breaker (often required by code) to protect your potable water. Always shut off and drain exterior faucets when not in use to prevent heat expansion damage.

• Water Your Foundation (Wisely): In hot dry spells, keep soil moisture relatively even around your home’s perimeter. WaterJet or drip the soil 1–2 feet from your foundation a few times a week (morning or evening) to prevent extreme shrinkage. Landscaping beds or shrubs along the foundation help moderate soil temperature and moisture. On the other hand, avoid creating pools of water by the house. (Smart tip: use a timer or hand-watering after sunset to conserve water.)

• Service Your AC Drain Line: Pour a cup of bleach or vinegar into the AC condensate drain to clear mold or algae, then run the AC to ensure water flows freely out of the pan. Clean or replace your furnace and AC filters regularly, as dirty filters make condensation more likely to overflow.

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: If you have any hot-water lines running through an attic or against an exterior wall, consider adding pipe insulation. This keeps water temperature more consistent and can prevent pipes from getting too hot to the touch (particularly in attics, where temperatures can exceed 120°F). It also reduces energy loss from hot water lines.

• Schedule HVAC and Water Heater Checks: Arrange for a professional tune-up of your air conditioner and water heater before the hottest weeks arrive. For water heaters, flushing the tank (draining off sediment) improves heat transfer and extends tank life. HVAC techs can fix minor condensate or refrigerant issues before they cause leaks.

• Clear Gutters and Drains: Debris in gutters and roof drains can cause overflow and moisture damage. Clean out leaves, branches and dirt so summer rainstorms (even isolated ones) drain away from your home. Redirect downspouts at least 5–10 feet from the foundation.

• Install WaterSense Fixtures: If you haven’t already, consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, and toilets with high-efficiency (WaterSense) models. Texas law already mandates low-flow fixtures (e.g. max 2.2 gpm faucets, 1.28 gpf toilets), so upgrading helps you comply with codes and saves water. Low-flow showerheads and efficient aerators cut usage without sacrificing performance.

• Know Your Shutoff Valve: Locate the main water shutoff valve for your house (often near the water meter or where the line enters the home). Label it and ensure it’s working smoothly. In an emergency (major leak, flooding), shutting off water quickly can prevent vast damage.

• Be Drought-Smart: Obey local watering restrictions – for instance, many Texas cities limit irrigation to 1-2 days a week in summer. Use a rain barrel or cistern (allowed by Texas law for watering) to capture occasional summer rain for garden use. Fix any pool leaks; filling a pool daily can waste thousands of gallons.

• Monitor Your Bill: Keep an eye on your monthly water bill for spikes. This can be a good early warning of hidden leaks or running toilets. And of course, practice basic conservation: take shorter showers, only run full loads in dishwashers and washers, and turn off the tap while lathering or brushing. All these small habits protect your plumbing and lower bills.

• Educate Family Members: Get everyone in the household on board. Show kids how to turn off faucets tightly, or have teens report drips. Guests may not know to keep the toilet from running or not to flush random items. A shared effort helps avoid clogs and wasted water in summer.

Following these preventive steps today can save you headaches – and dollars – down the line. Even simple actions (like tightening a leaking hose or replacing an old showerhead) make a difference.

When to Call a Pro

While homeowners can handle many summer tasks, some plumbing issues need a licensed plumber’s expertise:

• Persistent or Major Leaks: If you detect a leak you can’t easily access (e.g. under a slab, behind walls, or underground near your meter), call a professional. Concealed leaks can quickly worsen in heat; a plumber has cameras and experience to pinpoint them. Similarly, any new, unexplained drop in water pressure after basic checks warrants a pro’s inspection.

• Cracked Pipes or Fittings: If you find cracks in pipes (especially under the house or in the yard) or if a joint leaks each summer, have a plumber replace the damaged section. DIY repairs on deep or pressurized lines can lead to more breaks or code violations.

• Water Heater Repairs: Gas water heaters and tankless units involve combustion and high pressure – these should be serviced by licensed technicians. Don’t attempt major repairs like replacing the T&P valve, the burner assembly, or controls yourself. Also call a pro if your electric heater shows rust or anode rod depletion, as rewiring is involved.

• Sewer and Septic Emergencies: Gurgling toilets or multiple slow drains usually mean a sewer line problem. DIY plungers and snakes have limited reach; back-ups may require hydrojetting or trenchless repair that only pros can do. On septic systems, if drains run slowly in the house or you smell odors near the tank or field, call a septic service. Routine septic pumping every 3–5 years (more often in drought) is also best handled by specialists.

• Gas Lines and Tankless Water Heaters: Any work involving gas connections (like a new water heater or gas-plumbed dishwasher) must be done by a licensed plumber. Similarly, installing a tankless or moving a water heater’s location requires professional-grade know-how and permits.

• Complex Code Compliance: Texas plumbing codes (and local city ordinances) cover things like required sediment traps on water heaters, backflow preventers on irrigation, and permitted drain layouts. If you’re doing a renovation or major fix (e.g. re-routing a sewer drain, adding an addition with plumbing, or wiring an AC condensation pump), hiring a plumber ensures all work meets current code and is safe.

• After a Contamination Event: If your water became discolored (rust, sediment) or you suspect contamination (like after a long drought, a water main break, or flooding), a plumber can advise whether pipe flushing, filter replacement, or chemical disinfection is needed.

Remember: in Texas, work beyond minor repairs on water and sewer must generally be done by someone with an M license (commercial) or M1 (residential) plumbing license. It’s worth the cost to prevent bigger problems – a properly fixed leak today avoids foundation repair or mold later.

City-Specific Considerations

Texas is big, and local climate, soil and rules vary. Here are tips tailored to major Texas metros:

Dallas–Fort Worth (North Texas)

DFW sits on heavy clay soils and often in the path of strong summer storms. In drought, this clay can shrink and settle, damaging foundations and pipes (much like Houston and Austin). Watch for wall cracks and uneven floors in older homes. Many suburbs saw cracked sewer laterals after recent dry seasons. The DFW area also experiences rapid temperature swings – a 100°F afternoon followed by cool nights can strain water heaters and HVAC. If you live in older Dallas or Fort Worth neighborhoods, check for galvanized supply lines (common in homes built before the 1980s) that corrode in hard, chlorinated water. When watering landscapes, be aware that some North Texas cities have two-day-a-week schedules; avoid daytime watering.

“I live in Plano and last summer our water bill shot up – turned out a sprinkler valve failed in the heat. It was hard to spot under grass!” – Linda R., Dallas homeowner

Austin and Central Texas

Austin’s hilly terrain and limestone bedrock affect plumbing differently. Many homes have slab foundations on rock, so pipes are usually close to grade – good for freezing but meaning yard leaks often appear on the surface. Austin saw nearly 500 main water line repairs in July/August 2023 (up from 300 the year before). The city’s growing population also means older waterlines under downtown and fast development in suburbs. In summer, Barton Springs and other springs run low, and the city enforces Stage 2 watering (twice-weekly irrigation) during droughts. Hard water is moderate here, but lime-scale still clogs fixtures; check your showerhead if spots appear on glass doors. Finally, Austin’s heat can overload pumps on well systems – if you have well water, inspect the pump and pressure tank before summer.

Houston and Gulf Coast

Houston’s hot, humid climate puts extra load on plumbing. Humidity fosters mold and keeps soils wet longer – but paradoxically, Gulf Region also experienced severe drought in recent summers, drying that clay soil stiff. Houston logged its hottest summer ever, saw 500 water-leak calls per week (up from 300 last year). In this flat, flood-prone area, keep gutters clear to handle occasional heavy rain. Slab homes with pier-and-beam often use crawlspaces – ensure exterior faucets are still draining; as one Houston plumber warns, mold in the AC pan and leaks from expansion can go unnoticed. Also note: the Houston city code mandates backflow devices on lawn irrigation – so only a licensed plumber should install or remove them. In short, H-Town homeowners should closely monitor yard irrigation and their water meter in summer, because a small leak can quickly waste thousands of gallons on the sprawling lawns and gardens common here.

“Our house in Katy is 15 years old, and the heat last year caused our main supply line (out by the meter) to split. The ground had sunk after that long dry spell. Water was gushing under the street, and we didn’t even notice until the truck drove up!” – John T., Houston homeowner

San Antonio and South-Central Texas

San Antonio sits over limestone and often runs dry in summer, relying on surface water from Canyon Lake. The SAWS (San Antonio Water System) reported a jump from 470 to over 1,000 main breaks in August 2023 due to extreme heat. Many homes here have concrete slab foundations on shrink-swell clay, so plumbing under slabs can be stressed in droughts. Also, SA uses alkaline (lime-treated) water to reduce hardness, but that can still coat pipes over time. South-Central Texas enforces strict Stage 2 or 3 watering schedules, so use drip irrigation or water-savvy landscaping. Pool owners beware: Evaporation rates are high (even at night), so pools lose water quickly – use covers where possible. One unique local note: San Antonio allows rainwater harvesting for certain uses; using rain barrels on gutters can help you water ornamental plants without touching city water restrictions.

“We only water our yard twice a week in early morning, and we’re careful not to exceed our 10,000-gallon monthly allotment. Last August, a neighbor’s busted pipe blew through his water allowance in days!” – Maria L., San Antonio homeowner

Other Texas Regions

• North Texas Panhandle (Lubbock, Amarillo): Less humidity but frequent dry winds. Outdoor pipes (like well pumps or livestock waterers) can overheat or lose pressure if not shaded. Winds also blow dust into vents; keep screens clean.

• West Texas (El Paso, Midland): Extremely arid; evaporation rates are highest. Even small leaks evaporate rapidly, so you may not see wet soil – check the meter closely. Well water is common, and pump issues (low pressure) occur as the aquifers drop. Hard-water and salt in source water can corrode plumbing fast; galvanized pipes rust out here.

• East Texas (Beaumont, Texarkana): Very humid, even in summer. AC pans overflow are common. Soil is clay but closer to water table, so leaks may flood basements rather than surface. Watch out for termites (they often swarm near leaking faucets or AC units). High rainfall also means gutters and downspouts must be maintained to prevent yard erosion around plumbing.

When to Call a Pro

Even the most diligent DIYer knows when a job is best left to a professional. Call a licensed plumber if:

• You find a large or underground leak: If a section of pipe has fully cracked, or you must dig to access it, a plumber’s expertise and proper tools will save time (and avoid damaging other utilities).

• Water pressure mysteriously stays low: If adjusting the PRV or cleaning aerators doesn’t help, a hidden break or major blockage may be to blame. A pro can test the system pressure and locate concealed leaks.

• Sewer problems arise: Gurgling drains, sewage backups, or constant drain clogs require professional camera inspection and cleaning. Also, if your water smells like sewage, stop using appliances and call help immediately.

• Any plumbing work requiring permits or complex fixes: This includes re-piping, water heater replacement, adding new plumbing fixtures that tie into the house lines, or fixing a slab leak. Texas law generally requires licensed plumbers for these, ensuring the job meets code and warranty.

• After flooding or significant weather events: If heavy rain or a storm has affected your foundation or washed out lines, a plumber can check for hidden damage (e.g. collapsed drains).

Ultimately, the benefits of a professional are clear: expertise, safety, and code compliance. If you ever feel unsure, or if a repair will disrupt living spaces (like under-slab repairs), calling a pro can prevent bigger problems. Most plumbing companies also offer summer inspections or maintenance packages – consider scheduling one to catch issues early.

Professional Tip

“You should have your main sewer line video-inspected at least once every few years in Texas. Roots and shifting soils can crack the sewer pipe even if you don’t see back-ups right away. It’s a small cost that can prevent a burst line under your foundation.” – Marco G., Licensed Plumber, Dallas

Professional Help & CTA

Stay safe and efficient this summer by enlisting the help of licensed plumbers for any major plumbing concerns. Plumbing professionals can handle everything from leak detection to fixture upgrades and code inspections. If you’re facing a stubborn problem or simply want a thorough check-up, don’t hesitate to contact experts. Our Plumbing section offers trusted local service providers. A quick professional visit now can save you the headache (and expense) of a catastrophic pipe failure later. Remember, keeping Texas’s precious water where it belongs – in your pipes and garden, not lost to leaks – is both smart and responsible.