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Summer in Fort Worth comes fast — and it comes hot. Between the triple-digit temperatures, family vacations, and long days spent outdoors, the last thing you want is a plumbing surprise waiting for you at home. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress (and expense) later.
Use this checklist to walk through your home's plumbing before the busy season kicks in. You don't need to be a plumber to follow it — just a homeowner who wants peace of mind this summer.
Before summer hits, it's a good idea to have a professional take a look at your plumbing systems. If something seems off — or if it's just been a while since your last checkup — give Molberg Plumbing a call at (817) 476-9963 orreach out online. Catching small issues now is so much easier than dealing with them mid-July.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard year-round, but summer is a great time to give it some attention before the season ramps up.
- Look for leaks or rust around the base and connections
- Listen for unusual sounds like popping or rumbling — these can signal mineral buildup inside the tank
- Check the temperature setting — 120°F is typically recommended for safety and efficiency
If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be worth having a plumber inspect it. An aging unit is more likely to fail when you least expect it.
Inspect Faucets, Toilets, and Visible Pipes
A quick walk-through of your home can catch small leaks before they turn into big problems.
- Check under sinks for moisture, dripping, or discoloration
- Test each toilet by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank — if color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you may have a slow leak
- Look at exposed pipes in your garage, utility room, or under the house for signs of corrosion or damage
Even a slow, silent leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a summer — and drive up your water bill.
Test Your Outdoor Spigots and Irrigation
You'll be using your outdoor water connections a lot more in summer — for the garden, the lawn, and the occasional car wash.
- Turn on each outdoor spigot and check for drips or weak water pressure
- Inspect hose bibs (the outdoor faucet connections) for cracks or corrosion, especially if they went unused over winter
- If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system, run it through a full cycle and watch for uneven coverage, broken heads, or soggy patches in the yard
Aroutine plumbing maintenance check can include a full outdoor inspection and help you catch anything easy to miss.
Make Sure Your Drains Are Flowing Freely
Slow drains are easy to ignore — until they back up completely. Before summer gets busy, take a few minutes to check the drains throughout your home.
- Run water in each sink and tub and watch how quickly it drains
- Look for standing water in your shower or around floor drains
- Avoid putting grease, food scraps, or "flushable" wipes down your drains — these are among the most common causes of clogs
If a drain is already slow, don't wait. It tends to get worse over time, not better.
Check Your Water Pressure
Water pressure that's too high can quietly stress your pipes, fixtures, and appliances over time. Most homes should have pressure between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch — a measure of how forcefully water flows through your pipes).
- Buy an inexpensive pressure gauge at a hardware store and attach it to any outdoor spigot to get a reading
- If pressure is above 80 PSI, consider having a plumber check your pressure regulator (a device that controls the flow of water into your home)
- Signs of high pressure include banging pipes, running toilets, or faucets that spit or spray
Preparing Your Home Before Summer Travel
Planning a vacation this summer? Before you lock up and head out, a few simple steps can help protect your home while you're away.
Before You Leave:
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is — and consider turning it off if you'll be gone for a week or more. This one step can prevent a small leak from becoming a flooded room.
- Check for any drips or slow leaks you've been meaning to address — don't leave them unattended
- Ask a neighbor or trusted contact to check in on your home periodically
- Set your water heater to "vacation mode" if it has one — this saves energy without letting the tank go cold
Coming home to a plumbing problem after a relaxing trip is no fun. A few minutes of prep before you leave goes a long way.
When to Call a Professional
Some things are better left to a licensed plumber. Consider calling in a professional if you notice:
- Consistently low water pressure throughout the house
- Water stains on walls or ceilings with no obvious source
- A noticeable increase in your water bill without a clear reason
- Any sign of sewage smell inside the home
These can be signs of something more serious happening behind the walls or underground — and the sooner it's looked at, the better.
Get Your Home Ready With Help From Molberg Plumbing
Summer in Fort Worth is no time to deal with unexpected plumbing issues. Whether you want a professional set of eyes on your systems before the season heats up or you've already spotted something that needs attention, Molberg Plumbing is here to help.
Schedule aplumbing maintenance visit orcontact us online to get started. You can also give us a call at (817) 476-9963 — we're happy to answer questions and help you figure out the right next step for your home.
Stay cool out there, Fort Worth.