When the Texas heat sets in, most homeowners focus on sunscreen, pool time, and outdoor grilling—but your plumbing system might be feeling the heat in a very different way. In cities like Austin and San Antonio, where water usage spikes and the ground dries fast, summer is one of the most common times for plumbing problems to sneak up on homeowners.
At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly summer fun can turn into a plumbing disaster—and we’re here to help you prevent it.
The Hidden Pressure Behind Summer Water Use
You might not notice it, but summer puts a big load on your plumbing system. Between watering lawns, topping off kiddie pools, washing off muddy pets, and hosting weekend guests, your water lines and drains are working overtime.
This spike in usage can reveal small issues—like fluctuating pressure or a slow-draining tub—that turn into expensive problems if ignored. And if your home was built before 2000 (like nearly 40% of homes in Central Texas), there’s a good chance your plumbing materials are already showing their age.
What to watch for:
- Damp spots in walls or flooring
- Unexpected drops in water pressure
- Frequent clogs or slow drainage
When to call Radiant: If anything feels off, especially in an older home, our licensed plumbers can spot the problem before it floods your summer plans.
Roots Are on the Hunt—And Your Pipes Might Be in the Way
It’s not just humans who get thirsty during the summer. After a drier-than-usual winter, trees across Austin and San Antonio are sending out roots in search of water—and your sewer lines are a prime target.
Roots can creep into small cracks, expand inside your pipes, and eventually block or even break them. If you’ve noticed frequent toilet backups, slow drains, or strange gurgling noises, your system could be telling you it’s time for a sewer camera inspection.
Bonus: Being mindful about what goes down the drain can also help reduce the risk of backups. Learn what to avoid putting down your drains here.
Backflow Preventers: The Unsung Heroes of Summer Plumbing
With sprinkler systems back in action, now’s the time to think about your home’s backflow prevention device—especially if you’re in a home with an older irrigation setup. A faulty or aging backflow preventer can allow outdoor contaminants to enter your drinking water supply.
You might not notice an issue until it’s too late, but Radiant’s plumbers can test, inspect, and replace failing devices to keep your water clean and safe.
Give Outdoor Plumbing the Attention It Deserves
From hose bibs to exposed PVC lines, outdoor plumbing systems take a beating in the Texas sun. Heat causes plastic pipes to expand, contract, and—eventually—crack. That can lead to leaks, pressure drops, and wasted water that shows up on your bill.
What homeowners can do:
- Add insulation sleeves to exposed pipes
- Paint PVC piping to deflect UV rays
- Check for dripping hose bibs or strange noises in outdoor lines
When to call Radiant: If you spot leaks, bulging pipes, or hear water hammering in your outdoor lines, let our team take a look.
Clogged Drains Are a Summer Classic—And Not in a Good Way
Between cookouts, extra showers, and yardwork, summer is when clogs come out to play. Grease from grilling, hair from post-pool showers, and debris tracked inside can all wreak havoc on your plumbing system.
While small clogs may seem like an easy fix, recurring drainage issues often point to a deeper problem that needs professional attention. If you’re noticing foul odors, slow water flow, or gurgling sounds—hydro jetting might be your solution.
Skip the AC Maintenance—Let Our Care Club Handle It
Summer humidity also means your AC is working overtime—and that condensate line could be slowly clogging with mold and algae. If it backs up, you could end up with a water leak near your unit or even water damage in your ceiling or floors.
Sure, you could flush the line with vinegar every month. Or… you could join the Radiant Care Club, and let us stay on top of it for you. With seasonal tune-ups and priority service, we handle the upkeep so you don’t have to.
Radiant Has Your Summer Plumbing Covered
Whether it’s a slow drain, a leaky spigot, or a backflow device that hasn’t been checked in years, summer is the perfect time to protect your home’s plumbing. At Radiant, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping homeowners across Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas stay ahead of costly surprises.
From inspections to emergency repairs, we’re here to help—with 24/7 phone support, honest advice, and our Home Comfort Guarantee.
Schedule your plumbing service today and enjoy a stress-free summer—because staying cool shouldn’t stop at your AC.
