As the Lubbock heat begins to rise, our focus naturally shifts outdoors. From backyard barbecues to keeping the lawn green, summer puts a unique set of demands on your home’s plumbing system. While we often think of plumbing as an “indoor” concern, your outdoor fixtures are just as critical to your home’s efficiency and your monthly water bill.
At 1213 Plumbing, we want to help you enjoy the sun without the stress of unexpected leaks or breaks. Here is your essential guide to prepping your outdoor plumbing for a West Texas summer.
1. Inspect Your Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibbs)
Winter freezes can sometimes cause internal damage to outdoor faucets that doesn’t become apparent until you turn them on in the spring or summer.
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The Leak Test: Turn the faucet on and then place your thumb over the opening. If you can easily stop the flow of water, there is likely a leak inside the pipe behind the wall.
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Check the Handle: If you see water leaking from the handle or the stem when the water is turned on, the packing nut or washer may need to be replaced.
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Pro Tip: Always remove hoses before a freeze, but even in summer, don’t leave a hose under constant pressure if the nozzle is shut off, as this can wear out the faucet’s internal seals.
2. Audit Your Sprinkler System
Your irrigation system is likely the biggest water consumer during a Lubbock summer. A small malfunction can lead to a massive spike in your water bill.
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Check the Heads: Look for broken, clogged, or “sunken” sprinkler heads. If a head is spraying the sidewalk instead of the grass, you are literally throwing money down the drain.
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Look for “Soggy Spots”: If you notice an area of your lawn that is consistently muddy or greener than the rest, you may have an underground pipe leak.
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Zone Test: Turn on each zone manually and watch it run for a few minutes to ensure there are no geysers indicating a cracked line.
3. Maintain Your Exposed Pipes
While most of your plumbing is underground, some pipes—like those leading to a pool pump or an outdoor kitchen—might be exposed to the intense Texas sun.
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UV Protection: Intense sunlight can make PVC pipes brittle over time. If you have exposed plastic piping, ensure it is painted or covered with a protective wrap to prevent cracking and bursting.
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Clear the Drains: If you have an outdoor kitchen or a pool deck drain, ensure they are free of leaves, dirt, and debris. Summer thunderstorms can cause flash flooding if your drainage system is blocked.
4. Check Your Main Shut-Off Valve
In the event of an outdoor pipe burst, you need to be able to stop the water flow immediately.
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Test the Valve: Ensure your main water shut-off valve is easy to find and turns freely. In our dry West Texas soil, valves that aren’t used often can “seize” up. A little bit of preventative maintenance here can save you from a flooded yard later.
Why Professional Prep Matters
Small leaks in an outdoor plumbing system can waste hundreds of gallons of water before they are even noticed. At 1213 Plumbing, we specialize in identifying and repairing irrigation leaks, faucet issues, and mainline problems before they become expensive emergencies.
Don’t let a plumbing problem ruin your summer fun. Contact 1213 Plumbing today for a comprehensive outdoor inspection and get your home ready for the heat!