Summer is a busy season for many East Greenwich homeowners. Between outdoor entertaining, extra water usage, lawn care, vacations, and summer storms, your plumbing system can work harder than usual during the warmer months.
Unfortunately, a few common mistakes can lead to clogged drains, leaking fixtures, sewer backups, water waste and avoidable repair costs. The good news is that most summer plumbing problems can be prevented with a little awareness and routine maintenance.
Below, the pros at CW Cummings Plumbing share common summer plumbing mistakes East Greenwich homeowners should avoid to keep their homes running smoothly all season long.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Small Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs get a lot of use during the summer. Whether you’re watering plants, washing the car, filling a kiddie pool, or using a sprinkler, even a small leak can waste water and create moisture around your foundation.
A dripping hose bib may seem minor, but it can point to worn seals, loose fittings, or damage from previous freeze-thaw cycles. If left alone, these leaks may worsen over time and contribute to higher water bills.
Before summer use ramps up, check outdoor faucets for dripping, rust, cracks, or water that continues running after the handle is turned off.
Mistake #2: Putting the Wrong Foods Down the Garbage Disposal
Summer cookouts and family gatherings can put extra strain on your kitchen plumbing. Garbage disposals are helpful, but they are not designed to handle everything.
Avoid putting items like grease, oil, bones, corn husks, fruit pits, coffee grounds, pasta, rice and fibrous vegetables down the disposal. These materials can jam the unit, stick to pipe walls, or create stubborn clogs.
Instead, scrape plates into the trash or compost before rinsing dishes. Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help move food particles through the drain.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Slow Drains
A slow drain is easy to ignore at first, especially if it still empties eventually. However, slow drainage is often an early warning sign of buildup inside the pipes.
In bathrooms, hair, soap scum, and toothpaste residue can collect over time. In kitchens, grease and food particles can gradually narrow the drain line. During summer, when guests and family routines increase water use, a small drain issue can quickly become a full clog.
If you notice repeated slow drains, gurgling sounds, or water backing up, it may be time to schedule professional plumbing service before the problem gets worse.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About the Sump Pump
Summer storms can bring heavy rainfall across Rhode Island, and East Greenwich homes with basements should not ignore sump pump maintenance.
If your sump pump fails during heavy rain, water can quickly collect in the basement and cause flooring damage, moisture problems, or mold concerns. Test the pump before storm season by pouring water into the sump pit and confirming that the system turns on, pumps the water out, and shuts off properly.
If your pump is older, noisy, or struggling to keep up, it may be time for repair or replacement. A battery backup can also offer extra protection during storm-related power outages.
Mistake #5: Letting Running Toilets Go Unrepaired
A running toilet may not seem urgent, but it can waste a surprising amount of water over time. In many cases, the issue comes from a worn flapper, faulty fill valve, or misadjusted float.
During summer, when water use is already higher, a running toilet can add unnecessary cost to your utility bills. If you hear water cycling when the toilet has not been flushed, or if the tank refills randomly throughout the day, schedule a repair.
For older toilets, replacement may also be worth considering. Modern fixtures can improve performance while reducing water waste.
Mistake #6: Leaving Plumbing Unchecked Before Vacation
If you’re leaving town for a summer trip, don’t forget to prepare your plumbing before you go. A small leak that develops while no one is home can lead to major water damage.
Before vacation, check under sinks, around toilets, near water heaters, and around appliances for signs of leaks. Consider shutting off the main water supply if you’ll be away for an extended period, and make sure your sump pump is working before you leave.
A few simple steps can give you peace of mind while your home is empty.
Mistake #7: Waiting Too Long to Call a Plumber
Many plumbing issues start small. A slow drain, small leak, weak flush, or occasional sewer odor may not feel urgent at first, but these symptoms often point to problems that become more expensive over time.
Calling a plumber early can help you avoid emergency repairs, water damage and inconvenient breakdowns during the busiest time of year.
For East Greenwich homeowners, summer is a smart time to address minor plumbing concerns before fall rains and winter weather put additional stress on the system.
Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly This Summer With CW Cummings
Avoiding common summer plumbing mistakes can help protect your home, conserve water and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs.
If you notice leaking outdoor faucets, slow drains, sump pump issues, running toilets, or other plumbing concerns, CW Cummings Plumbing is here to help. Our team provides reliable residential plumbing services for homeowners in East Greenwich, Coventry, and surrounding Rhode Island communities.
Call (401) 828-7730 or contact our team online to schedule plumbing service and keep your home’s plumbing ready for the season.
