.2602262001588.jpg)
When the weather warms up in Walla Walla and the surrounding counties, our attention naturally shifts to the outdoors. Whether you are watering a vegetable garden, greening up your lawn, or setting up a pool for the kids, your outdoor water usage increases significantly.
While it is great to enjoy your yard, all that extra water moving through your pipes can put a strain on your home. Learning how to manage your outdoor water use is not just about saving on your utility bill; it is about protecting the hidden pipes and fixtures that keep your home running smoothly.
If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure or find mysterious wet spots in your yard, don't wait for a small leak to become a big problem. Reach out to Total Comfort Solutions today by completing our online contact form or calling (509) 659-7565 so we can help you keep your home safe and dry.
Check Your Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
The first step in protecting your home is checking your outdoor faucets, often called hose bibbs. These fixtures are exposed to the elements all year long. Over time, the seals inside can dry out or crack, leading to slow drips that waste hundreds of gallons of water. A leaky outdoor faucet can also allow water to seep into your home’s foundation or siding, which can lead to wood rot or mold.
Before you hook up your hose for the season, turn the water on and look for leaks around the handle. If water leaks out from the connection even when the hose is tight, it might be time for simple plumbing repairs. It is also a good idea to inspect your hoses for cracks or holes. A hose that leaks near the house can pool water right against your foundation, which is never a good thing for your home's structural health.
- Inspect all outdoor handles for leaks or "weeping" when the water is turned on.
- Remove hoses during freezing snaps to prevent the internal pipes from bursting.
- Use a spray nozzle with a shut-off valve so water isn't running while you move from plant to plant.
Manage Your Underground Sprinkler System
For many homeowners in our area, an underground sprinkler system is the easiest way to keep the grass green. However, these systems are complex and hidden from view. A broken sprinkler head or a cracked underground pipe can leak for weeks before you even notice a problem. This not only wastes water but can also wash away the soil around your home's pipes or foundation.
To protect your plumbing, you should perform a "walk-through" of your system while it is running. Look for "geysers" where a head might be missing, or soggy patches of grass where a pipe might be leaking underground. If one area of your lawn is always muddy while the rest is dry, that is a classic sign of a plumbing issue that needs professional attention.
- Test each zone of your sprinkler system individually at the start of every month.
- Adjust sprinkler heads so they water the grass, not your driveway or the side of your house.
- Consider installing a rain sensor so your system doesn't run when it is already pouring outside.
Be Mindful of Water Pressure
High water pressure might feel great in the shower, but it can be hard on your pipes, especially when you add outdoor usage to the mix. When you quickly turn a high-pressure hose on or off, it can cause a "water hammer." This is that loud banging sound you might hear in your walls. Over time, these vibrations can loosen pipe joints and lead to leaks inside your home.
If you notice that your hoses seem to have a lot of "kick" when you turn them on, or if your indoor faucets whistle, your home's pressure might be set too high. Keeping your water pressure at a safe level protects all your appliances, from your washing machine to your outdoor spigots. It ensures that the extra demand of summer watering doesn't push your plumbing past its limits.
- Keep your home's water pressure between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (psi).
- If you hear banging sounds in your pipes when using the hose, talk to a professional about a pressure-reducing valve.
- Turn outdoor faucets on and off slowly to reduce the shock to your plumbing system.
Prevent Backflow and Contamination
Protecting your plumbing also means protecting the quality of the water inside your home. Backflow happens when water from outside—like the water sitting in a garden hose or a puddle—gets sucked back into your home’s clean water supply. This can happen if there is a sudden drop in pressure in the main water line.
Most modern outdoor faucets have a "vacuum breaker" on them to prevent this, but older homes might not. If you leave a hose sitting in a pool, a bucket of soapy water, or a puddle of lawn chemicals, you risk that dirty water entering your drinking water. Keeping your hoses coiled up and off the ground when not in use is a simple way to keep your family’s water safe.
- Never leave the end of a hose submerged in a pool or a bucket of chemicals.
- Install inexpensive vacuum breakers on any old outdoor faucets that don't have them.
- Make sure your sprinkler system has a dedicated backflow prevention device that is tested regularly.
Watch Out for Tree Roots and Sewer Lines
Summer is a time of major growth for trees and shrubs. While we love the shade they provide, their roots are constantly searching for moisture. If there is a tiny crack or a loose joint in your underground plumbing or sewer lines, tree roots will find it. Once they enter a pipe, they can grow quickly, causing major clogs and even pipe collapses.
As you increase your outdoor watering, pay attention to how your indoor drains are performing. If your toilets are gurgling or your sinks are draining slowly while you are watering the lawn, it could be a sign that roots are interfering with your main line. Being careful about where you plant large trees can save you from a lot of plumbing stress down the road.
- Avoid planting trees with "aggressive" roots directly over your main water or sewer lines.
- Watch for patches of grass that are much greener and taller than the rest of the yard, as this can indicate a sewer leak.
- Have your main sewer line inspected if you live in an older home with large, established trees nearby.
Let Total Comfort Solutions Protect Your Home
Taking care of your outdoor plumbing helps ensure that your summer stays fun and stress-free. By catching small leaks early and being mindful of how you use your water, you can avoid the headache of unexpected repairs. At Total Comfort Solutions, we believe in helping our neighbors understand their home systems so they can make the best choices for their families and their budgets.
If you are concerned about a hidden leak or want a professional to inspect your outdoor fixtures, we are here to provide honest, helpful service. Reach out to Total Comfort Solutions at (509) 659-7565 or visit our online contact page to schedule an appointment. We are proud to serve our community and help keep your plumbing system in great shape year-round.