Summer Plumbing Checklist: Protect Your Home Now

Simple Ways to Get Your Plumbing Ready for Summer

As summer arrives, many homeowners focus on cleaning out the garage, prepping the patio, or finalizing vacation plans. But while you're getting everything ready for the warmer months, it’s easy to overlook your plumbing system, even if it seemed to survive winter without any issues. A quick seasonal check-up can help prevent hidden wear and tear from turning into costly repairs.

Here are five easy ways to get your plumbing ready for summer.

1. Test your sump pump before the next big storm

If you’re a homeowner, especially for the first time, your sump pump might not be at the top of your mind until it stops working. But this small piece of equipment plays a significant role in protecting your home. During thunderstorms, heavy rain can quickly overwhelm your yard and drainage system. Without a properly working sump pump, that water can flood your basement, damage your belongings, and lead to mold or structural issues.

The good news? You can easily test it yourself. Just pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and watch to see if the pump turns on and drains the water right away. If it doesn’t start quickly, sounds unusual, or fails to run at all, it might need cleaning or repair. That’s when it’s time to call Atlas Butler. We can take a look and let you know whether a quick tune-up is all it needs or if it’s time to replace it.

2. Clean your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drains

It’s easy to forget about the parts of your plumbing system outside your home, but they play a big role in preventing water damage. Gutters, downspouts, and storm drains can easily become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris over the winter. When that happens, water can pool near your foundation, seep into your basement, or cause erosion.

Take time to clear out any visible buildup and check that water is flowing freely through the system. Atlas Butler recommends making sure your downspouts are directing water away from your home, which can be done by adding inexpensive extensions if needed.

3. Flush your water heater

Sediment builds up inside your water heater over time, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup makes it difficult for your water heater to function efficiently, causing longer heat times, higher energy bills, and a greater chance of breakdowns.

Flushing your water heater regularly per the manufacturer's recommendation clears out that sediment and helps your system last longer. It's a smart step to take before summer when hot water usage might spike (think: more showers, laundry, or guests staying over). If you’ve never done it before, this is one of those tasks best left to a professional to avoid damaging the unit.

4. Inspect exposed pipes and fixtures for leaks

As the weather shifts and we experience warmer days, pipes that froze and thawed over winter may have developed small cracks or leaks. These weak spots can go unnoticed initially but cause real damage over time. Take a walk through your basement, crawlspace, utility room, and any exterior-facing walls to inspect for:

• Drips or puddles
• Rust or corrosion
• Signs of mold or mildew
• Unusual smells

Even small leaks can drive up your water bill and create hidden water damage. Catching them early means simpler, cheaper fixes.

5. Book a whole-home plumbing inspection

Just like you’d schedule a tune-up for your A/C before summer, a plumbing inspection helps catch minor problems before they lead to significant issues. With Atlas Butler’s Comfort Club membership, you can access a comprehensive annual plumbing inspection that covers much more than just a quick look under the sink.

Here’s what’s included in the inspection:

• A complete hot water tank flush to remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency
• Inspection of all faucets, fixtures, drains, sink traps, washing machine hoses, and garbage disposal to identify early signs of wear or leaks
• Water quality testing for hardness, chlorine levels, and drinking safety
• Gas line inspection to ensure proper bonding and grounding for safety
• Sewage station check to confirm it’s operating as it should

Atlas Butler Can Get Your Plumbing Ready for Summer

Whether you’re getting ahead of problems or want peace of mind heading into the hotter months, this inspection is a simple way to protect your home’s plumbing and avoid unwelcome repairs.

Call 1-800-FURNACE to become a Comfort Club member today, or schedule an appointment online with one of our licensed plumbing technicians to take care of your seasonal maintenance needs.