12 Essential Summer Plumbing & AC Maintenance Tips

Published: December 17, 2023

Summer. It’s arguably the busiest season of the whole year. School is out, yard work is constant, vacations are being planned, and outdoor activities abound. With all the hustle and bustle that goes on during summer, there are some things that are bound to get lost in the shuffle. Take your indoor comfort, for instance. Have you prepped your cooling unit or your plumbing system for the season to come? Don’t worry. If not, we’ve got your back with these essential AC maintenance and summer plumbing tips to ensure your home stays in top shape all season long.

Gain Peace of Mind With a Comfy Home

Ensuring that your family enjoys comfort all summer is essential. And to gain this peace of mind, we recommend one thing—prepping your home now—before the craziness begins. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your home cozy and cool, we have 12 plumbing tips for summer and HVAC tips that are certain to leave you stress-free this season.

1. Turn off the Water Heater Before Vacationing

Have you recently had a water heater installation? Then you’ll want to protect your investment. If you’re going on vacation, it’s recommended to turn off your water heater. (Some water heaters have a “vacation mode” setting.) This gives you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and nothing will burst while you’re away. And no, it won’t damage your water heater either.

2. Prep Your Washing Machine

Another pre-vacation task is to keep your washing lid open after doing your last load prior to leaving. This allows the appliance to “breathe” and will prevent mildew, mold, and smelly odors from developing.

3. Schedule Annual Maintenance

Don’t let that annual plumbing or service plan go to waste. Call for your regular summer AC maintenance or plumbing maintenance appointment now, and your system will run flawlessly all season.

4. Inspect Your Sewer Line

It’s always a good idea to check your sewer line each summer. This helps prevent unwanted repairs and any excessive damage that could be caused by backed-up drains. Catching problems early helps prevent major problems down the road.

5. Clean Your Outside AC Unit

Be sure you have a two-foot clearance around your outside cooling unit. Remove any debris or clutter that has accumulated on it throughout the year.

6. Inspect Your Toilet

Toilet running? If so, you could be wasting up to 200 gallons of water per day. If it keeps running long after flushing, you could have a disconnected fill tube, a defective toilet flapper, an improper fill height, or a flapper chain that is the wrong length. Call us for a quick fix!

7. Call For Drain Cleaning Service

If you’ve been noticing backed-up drains for a while, a professional interior drain cleaning can be just what the plumbing doctor ordered. Don’t ignore signs associated with clogged drains. They can lead to huge problems later!

8. Replace Old Air Filters With Fresh Ones

Prevent premature HVAC replacement and even emergency AC repair by changing your air filters regularly. Changing filters every three months or more is recommended. And if you’re unsure which air filter is best for your home, we can help!

9. Freshen the Garbage Disposal

Is the garbage disposal starting to smell? Time for cleaning! Turn the disposal off, then dump half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before running hot water into the drain. Turn the disposal on and run until the mixture is gone.

10. Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters can prevent water from flowing properly through your drainpipes and away from your foundation. If water can’t flow, you risk overwhelming your sump pump if excess water ends up in your basement. Take precautions each summer to clear out the gutters and reattach any drainpipes that might have become loose.

11. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems

Before the summer heat hits, take a moment to inspect your outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Check for any leaks or damage, as these can waste water and drive up your utility bills. If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it’s functioning properly and that no heads are clogged or misaligned. 

12. Seal Air Leaks

One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s cooling efficiency is by sealing air leaks. Gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork allow cooled air to escape, making your AC work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Take the time to inspect these areas and use weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant to close any gaps. 

For yearly maintenance tips, check out our blog: HVAC Maintenance Checklist: What’s Safe to DIY and When to Call a Professional.

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Summer AC Maintenance & Plumbing

Now that you know all the inside tips for prepping your home this summer, you can enjoy your season with 100% peace of mind. Remember, your best bet for a highly functioning AC or plumbing system is to simply pay attention and maintain proper upkeep all year round. And when you need help, Blue Dot will be there to provide any summer plumbing tips or service help you need! Schedule a service today online or call 410-204-2662 and let our experts ensure your systems are ready for the summer ahead.