Stay Cool & Leak-Free: Essential Summer Plumbing Tips from Plumber Pro – Athens’ Most Trusted Plumber

When summer rolls into Athens, Georgia, it brings more than just sunshine and sweet tea. The kids are out of school, grills are firing up every weekend, the sprinklers are running, and the washing machine is working overtime. It’s a time for front porch conversations, backyard BBQs, and road trips to the lake. But with all that seasonal fun comes a surprising amount of wear and tear on your home’s plumbing system.

See, unlike our neighbors up north, we don’t have to worry much about snow or frozen pipes. But that doesn’t mean summer is smooth sailing. High water usage, unexpected heatwaves, ground shifts from sudden storms, and extra guests in the house can put serious pressure on your plumbing. What might start as a slow drain or a small leak can quickly escalate into a bigger, more expensive problem if left unchecked.

That’s where we come in.

At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we’ve been serving the Athens community with pride and purpose for years. This isn’t just a job to us—it’s our hometown, and we’re in this together. Led by Georgia Master Plumber Sam Ivey, our locally owned and operated company has earned the trust of more families than any other plumber in town, with more 5-star reviews than the next ten plumbing companies in the area combined.

We know the unique plumbing challenges that come with Southern summers because we’ve lived them, solved them, and helped thousands of homeowners prevent them. We believe in honest work, done right the first time, with care, precision, and pride. Whether it’s making sure your outdoor spigots aren’t leaking, your garbage disposal is running strong, or your water heater is clean and efficient, we’re here to help keep your home running smooth all season long.

So, before a small issue turns into a costly summer surprise, take a few minutes to read through our top summer plumbing tips. And if you ever need a hand, just give us a call. At Plumber Pro, we’re always ready—because plumbing might be our trade, but people are our passion.

Let’s dive into it.

1. Check Your Outdoor Spigots and Hoses

Summertime in Athens, Georgia is a beautiful thing—lush gardens, green lawns, and lots of time spent outdoors. But all that sunshine and yardwork means you’re likely using more water than usual, especially outside the home. Whether it’s watering the garden, filling a kiddie pool, rinsing off the porch, or keeping your lawn from turning brown, your outdoor spigots and hose bibs are getting a real workout this time of year.

That’s why it’s critical to inspect those fixtures carefully before they become a hidden source of waste. A small crack in a hose bib, a loose connection, or a leaky spigot may not seem like a big deal at first glance—but over time, even the tiniest drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water per month. That’s not just bad for the environment—it can also lead to a sudden spike in your water bill that takes you by surprise.

And it gets worse. Sometimes, the real problem isn’t even visible. A damaged or aging pipe inside the wall or beneath the siding can leak silently for weeks or months, causing moisture damage, mold growth, or even structural issues if left unchecked.

Plumber Pro Tip: One easy way to check for hidden leaks is to attach a pressure gauge to your spigot and turn on the water. Once you shut it off, watch the needle closely. If the pressure doesn’t stay steady—or slowly drops—you could have a leak inside the plumbing system. That’s your cue to bring in the professionals.

At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we’ve helped homeowners across the Athens region stop minor leaks before they became major headaches. Our skilled technicians use professional-grade tools and diagnostics to detect hidden issues quickly and accurately. Whether it’s replacing a faulty spigot, sealing connections, or tracking down a pipe leak behind the wall, we’ll take care of it the right way—the first time.

So before you drag out the hose this summer, take a moment to check for signs of trouble. A few minutes of inspection now can save you from costly repairs and water bills down the road.

And if something doesn’t seem right? Don’t guess. Call the Best Plumber in Athens – Plumber Pro Service & Drains. We’ll keep your outdoor water flowing strong and steady, so you can enjoy your summer without worry.

2. Watch Out for Slab Leaks and Sewer Line Trouble

Summers in Athens, Georgia may not bring frozen pipes, but they do bring rain-soaked soil, rising temperatures, and a whole lot of ground movement beneath your home. What many homeowners don’t realize is that warm, saturated soil, combined with Georgia’s notorious red clay, can slowly shift the earth beneath your foundation. And while it might seem like nothing on the surface, below ground it can spell trouble.

This shifting soil puts pressure on your plumbing system, especially if you live in an older home with cast iron or clay sewer pipes. Over time, these materials, though durable, can become brittle and susceptible to cracks, joint separations, or collapses. The result? You could be facing a hidden slab leak or a cracked sewer line right underneath your floors or yard.

These problems are notorious for going unnoticed until the damage is done. Some signs to watch out for include:

• Musty smells or damp odors, especially near walls or floors

• Soggy, soft, or unusually green patches in your yard

• A sudden spike in your water bill with no clear explanation

• The sound of water running, even when all taps and appliances are off

• Warped flooring, unexplained moisture, or even cracks in your foundation

Any one of these symptoms could be a red flag—and ignoring them can lead to extensive, costly damage to your home’s foundation, flooring, and structure.

That’s where Plumber Pro Service & Drains comes in. We specialize in advanced leak detection and sewer diagnostics using non-invasive technology—so we don’t have to tear up your floors or landscape just to find the problem. With tools like acoustic listening devices, infrared cameras, and pipe inspection cameras, we can pinpoint the exact location of the issue, saving you time, money, and stress.

And when it’s time to fix the problem, we handle it with precision, care, and minimal disruption to your home. Whether it’s a small underground leak or a major sewer line issue, we’ve got the tools, the talent, and the commitment to get it done right.

So if you suspect something might be happening beneath your home, don’t wait. Call the Best Plumber in Athens, Georgia—Plumber Pro Service & Drains—and let us protect what matters most. Because peace of mind should never be underground.

3. Be Kind to Your Garbage Disposal

Summertime in Athens, Georgia means sunshine, sweet tea, and plenty of backyard gatherings, from grilled burgers and corn on the cob to watermelon slices and pulled pork sandwiches. But while your guests may leave full and happy, your kitchen garbage disposal might be left holding the bag, literally.

This time of year, your disposal is working overtime to keep up with the increased food prep and cleanup that comes with cookouts, BBQs, and family reunions. And while it might be tempting to toss everything down the drain, your disposal isn’t built to handle just anything.

Items like corn husks, melon rinds, poultry bones, greasy leftovers, coffee grounds, egg shells, and fibrous vegetable peels (like celery or onion skins) can do serious harm to your plumbing. These things can jam the blades, clog the pipes, or cause your motor to burn out prematurely. Not to mention, that greasy stuff? It cools, hardens, and sticks to the inside of your pipes, leading to slow drains, foul smells, and eventual blockages.

That’s why it pays to be a little extra gentle and mindful with your disposal.

Plumber Pro Tip: Always run a steady stream of cold water before, during, and after using your disposal. Cold water helps grease stay solid so it can be chopped up and flushed away, rather than sticking inside your pipes. And when in doubt, throw it in the trash or compost bin instead. Your disposal is designed to handle small, soft, food scraps—not an entire plate of leftovers or heavy, dense waste.

If you notice your disposal humming but not grinding, draining slowly, or emitting a strange odor, don’t try to fix it with harsh chemicals or reach inside with your hand. Give the pros a call.

At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we handle garbage disposal issues safely and efficiently. Whether it’s a jammed unit, a faulty switch, or a deeper drainage problem, we’ll get your kitchen back in working order in no time. We’re proud to be Athens’ most trusted plumbing team, and we’re always just a phone call away.

So treat your disposal with kindness, and it’ll serve you well for summers to come. And when you need help? Call Plumber Pro Service & Drains – The Best Plumber in Athens. We’re here to help you keep your kitchen running clean and clear, season after season.

4. Flush Your Water Heater

Most folks in Athens, Georgia associate their water heater with cold winter mornings, long hot showers, and cozy comfort during chilly nights. But summer, when your water heater isn’t working as hard, is actually the perfect time to give it a little TLC, especially if you want it to keep running strong when the temperatures drop again.

Over time, sediment from hard water builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank. This sediment, made up of minerals like calcium and magnesium, settles into a thick layer that can cause all kinds of problems. It acts like an insulator between the burner and the water, which means your heater has to work harder and longer to do its job. That leads to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and wear and tear on the unit’s internal components.

Left unchecked, this build-up can cause your water heater to rust from the inside out, create strange rumbling or popping noises, and eventually lead to premature failure. In fact, sediment is one of the most common reasons why water heaters don’t make it to their full expected lifespan.

That’s why summer is the ideal time to flush your water heater. When the system isn’t under peak demand, we can safely drain the tank, remove sediment, and ensure all components are working properly—before the cooler months return and your household’s hot water needs ramp up again.

Plumber Pro Tip: Even tankless water heaters benefit from regular maintenance. Though they don’t store water like traditional units, they can still suffer from scale build-up inside the heating elements, which reduces efficiency and shortens the unit’s life. Annual flushing and cleaning help prevent costly repairs and maintain peak performance.

Whether you have a standard tank water heater or a high-efficiency tankless model, the expert team at Plumber Pro Service & Drains is equipped with the know-how and tools to perform professional water heater maintenance the right way. We’ll inspect the anode rod, test the pressure relief valve, flush the tank, and double-check your system’s connections and temperature settings, ensuring your water heater is clean, efficient, and ready to serve you for years to come.

Don’t wait until your shower runs cold or your tank fails unexpectedly. Take advantage of the slower summer pace and give your water heater the care it deserves.

Call Plumber Pro Service & Drains today, the most trusted name in Athens plumbing, and let us help you protect your investment, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

5. Inspect Washing Machine Hoses

Summer in Athens, Georgia is a season full of life—kids running through sprinklers, lawn mowing in the heat, trips to the lake, sweaty workouts, gardening sessions, and backyard cookouts. But all that summer fun creates a mountain of laundry. From wet pool towels and grass-stained clothes to dirty socks and sweaty t-shirts, your washing machine is working overtime.

And while your washing machine might be up for the challenge, the real danger lies behind the machine, where your washer hoses are quietly doing their job—until they fail.

Old, rubber washing machine hoses are one of the most overlooked hazards in the home. As they age, they dry out, crack, and weaken, especially in hot or humid conditions. If one of those hoses bursts while you’re away from home—or even while you’re asleep—you could return to a disaster: a flooded laundry room, ruined flooring, soaked drywall, and thousands of dollars in water damage.

It happens more often than people realize. In fact, washing machine hose failures are among the top five causes of household water damage claims nationwide.

Plumber Pro Tip: Take a peek behind your washing machine. If your hoses are rubber, bulging, kinked, or more than five years old, it’s time to replace them—before they fail. We recommend stainless steel braided hoses for long-lasting durability and peace of mind. These reinforced hoses are more resistant to cracks, pressure changes, and extreme temperatures, making them the ideal choice for year-round reliability.

Better yet, let the experts at Plumber Pro Service & Drains handle it for you. Our team offers preventative plumbing inspections that include checking your washer hoses, valves, and connections. We’ll assess their condition, upgrade them if needed, and make sure your laundry setup is leak-proof and flood-resistant.

It’s a small investment that could save you thousands and spare you the nightmare of walking into a laundry room under water.

So before you start your next load of grass-stained jeans or beach towels, give your washing machine hoses the attention they deserve. Or give Plumber Pro Service & Drains, the Best Plumber in Athens, a quick call. We’ll make sure your home is protected—so you can focus on making summer memories, not mopping up messes.

6. Don’t Ignore Slow Drains

During the hot and humid summer months here in Athens, Georgia, it’s not just your air conditioning that’s working overtime, your drains are too. And when the temperature climbs, any unpleasant odors trapped inside your plumbing system can intensify, especially if you’ve got a partially clogged kitchen or bathroom sink.

That slow-draining sink that you’ve been meaning to deal with? It’s more than just a nuisance. It’s a red flag. What starts as a minor delay in drainage can quickly turn into a full-blown blockage, especially when increased summer cooking, backyard BBQs, and extra guests in the home put more pressure on your plumbing system. Left untreated, these clogs can cause nasty backups, overflows, and even pipe damage that requires costly repairs.

And while it’s tempting to grab a bottle of store-bought drain cleaner from the hardware aisle, most people don’t realize that those chemical-heavy formulas can corrode your pipes over time, especially in older plumbing systems. Instead of clearing the clog, they often push it deeper or only dissolve part of the blockage, leaving you with a temporary fix—and a bigger problem later on.

That’s why it’s smart to call in the pros. At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we offer professional drain cleaning services that are safe, effective, and long-lasting. Using state-of-the-art equipment like video inspection cameras and hydro-jetting machines, we can identify the source of the problem and blast away years of grease, grime, soap scum, and mineral buildup without damaging your pipes.

Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathtub, shower drain, or laundry line, our expert team will get your water flowing freely again—and leave your home smelling fresher and cleaner in the process.

So if you’ve noticed even the slightest slowdown in your drains, don’t wait. Call the Best Plumber in Athens—Plumber Pro Service & Drains—before a small problem becomes a summer headache. Let us handle the dirty work, so you can focus on enjoying your home this season, worry-free.

7. Check Your Water Pressure

Summer is a season of connection here in Athens, Georgia. The kids are home from school, relatives come in for weekend visits, and your house starts seeing more activity—from morning showers and evening baths to dishes piling up and sprinklers running overtime. And with all that extra use, you might start to notice something subtle but important: a drop in your water pressure.

Now, a slight dip in pressure might not seem like a big deal at first. Maybe the shower isn’t as powerful as usual. Maybe the kitchen faucet takes a little longer to fill the sink. But those little signs could be pointing to a much bigger issue lurking behind the walls.

Sometimes, the culprit is something minor—like a clogged aerator at the tip of the faucet, which can get gunked up with mineral deposits from hard water. That’s a simple fix. But inconsistent water pressure throughout the home, especially when it varies from room to room, can indicate a hidden leak in your main water supply line, corroded pipes, or failing pressure regulators. These issues, if left unaddressed, can spiral into major water damage, mold problems, or even complete line failure.

Plumber Pro Tip: If you notice changes in water pressure—or worse, if the pressure fluctuates randomly or drops suddenly—don’t brush it off. It’s not just about convenience. It’s your plumbing system’s way of telling you something’s wrong. And the longer you wait, the more complicated (and expensive) the fix may become.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, our licensed professionals specialize in water pressure diagnostics. We can quickly determine whether it’s a simple issue at the fixture or a symptom of a larger problem in the line. Using advanced tools and pressure testing equipment, we pinpoint the issue fast—and we fix it right.

Whether it’s clearing blocked aerators, repairing hidden leaks, or replacing outdated piping, we’ll restore your water pressure and your peace of mind.

So if your shower’s not what it used to be—or your sink’s turned into a slow trickle—call the Best Plumber in Athens, Georgia. Let Plumber Pro Service & Drains keep your water flowing strong, clear, and steady all summer long.

8. Mind Your Sprinkler System

If your property uses a sprinkler system, summer is the perfect time to give it a thorough inspection. After sitting idle through the cooler months, sprinkler heads can easily become cracked, clogged, or misaligned, especially after mowing the lawn or kids and pets playing in the yard. A tiny fracture in a sprinkler head or an underground leak in a lateral line might seem harmless at first, but it can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water every week, and worse, you often won’t notice until your utility bill skyrockets or your lawn starts showing soggy spots and uneven patches.

That’s where Plumber Pro Service & Drains comes in. Our team can help uncover those hidden problems that homeowners often miss. Whether it’s replacing worn-out sprinkler heads, adjusting spray patterns for even coverage, or tracking down a slow, silent leak beneath the surface, we’ve got the tools and experience to keep your irrigation system running efficiently. With our help, your lawn can stay lush and green all summer long, without draining your wallet or wasting precious water. Let the Best Plumber in Athens make sure your sprinkler system is as smart and dependable as you are. Give us a call today and let’s protect your yard, your budget, and your peace of mind.

9. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is

This tip isn’t just a seasonal summer reminder—it’s one of the most important things any homeowner in Athens, Georgia can know. And yet, surprisingly, many people have no idea where their main water shut-off valve is located until it’s far too late.

Imagine this: a pipe bursts in the middle of the night. Maybe it’s in your kitchen wall, or under your bathroom sink, or worse—in a slab beneath your home. Water starts flooding in, soaking drywall, flooring, furniture, and anything in its path. Every passing second counts. If you don’t know where the shut-off valve is—or how to operate it—you could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in water damage within minutes. Insurance might cover some of it, but the disruption to your home, your routine, and your peace of mind is a price no one wants to pay.

Now imagine the same scenario—but this time, you know exactly where the shut-off is. You calmly walk over, turn the valve, and the water stops flowing. No panic. No chaos. No major disaster.

That’s the difference a little knowledge can make.

At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we believe education is part of good service. During any routine plumbing inspection, service call, or home walk-through, just ask—and we’ll gladly show you where your shut-off valve is, how it works, and what to do in an emergency. If you’ve got an older home, or if the valve is hard to reach, damaged, or stuck, we can repair or upgrade it to ensure it’s easy to operate and reliable when it matters most.

Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water with no idea what to do. Take this one simple step and gain the confidence that comes with being prepared. Let Plumber Pro Service & Drains, the most trusted name in Athens plumbing, help you safeguard your home before disaster ever strikes.

10. Schedule a Summer Plumbing Tune-Up

When it comes to plumbing, the old saying rings true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to avoid plumbing disasters, costly repairs, or water damage headaches? Stop them before they start.

That’s exactly what a summer plumbing tune-up from Plumber Pro Service & Drains is designed to do. It’s a proactive, top-to-bottom inspection of your home’s plumbing system—giving you the peace of mind that everything is running smoothly during one of the busiest times of year for water usage.

Our expert technicians will thoroughly check your home’s fixtures, faucets, toilets, and shut-off valves to ensure everything is functioning properly and efficiently. We’ll inspect for slow leaks you might not even notice—like under sinks, around water heaters, or near your outdoor spigots. We’ll examine exposed and accessible piping, making sure there are no signs of corrosion, bulging, or other early warning signs of failure.

We’ll also test water pressure, inspect drains for signs of clogs or buildup, make sure your sump pump or sewer lines are in good shape, and evaluate your water heater’s performance. If needed, we’ll flush the unit to remove sediment and help extend its lifespan.

Catching small issues now—like a tiny leak, a loose connection, or a clogged aerator—can save you from major, expensive plumbing emergencies down the road. These tune-ups are quick, affordable, and incredibly effective, especially during the hot Athens summer months when your plumbing system is working harder than usual.

So why wait until something breaks? Let Plumber Pro Service & Drains, the most trusted name in plumbing across Athens, Georgia, give your home a clean bill of health. You’ll enjoy your summer worry-free, knowing your plumbing is in the best shape it’s ever been.

Call the Best Plumber in Athens, Georgia

Whether it’s a dripping kitchen faucet that keeps you up at night, a clogged drain that’s slowing down your morning routine, or a water heater that goes cold right before your in-laws arrive, you don’t have to face it alone. At Plumber Pro Service & Drains, we’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we know that plumbing problems don’t punch a clock—and neither do we.

But we’re more than just a plumbing company. We’re your neighbors in Athens. We’re the folks you see at the grocery store, at church, cheering for the Bulldogs, or picking up lunch downtown. We’re proud to call Athens, Georgia home, and we’re honored every time a homeowner opens their door and trusts us to step inside.

We take that trust seriously. When you call Plumber Pro, you’re not getting a corporate outfit with call centers and quotas. You’re getting local plumbing professionals who treat your home like it’s their own, with care, attention to detail, and the kind of pride that comes from doing things the right way.

So as you enjoy these beautiful Georgia summer days, grilling out with family, watching the kids chase lightning bugs, sipping sweet tea on the porch, just know that we’ve got your back. We’re standing by, ready to roll whenever you need us. Whether it’s an emergency or a simple fix, we’ll be there, day or night, weekend or holiday.

We invite you to see why so many homeowners in Athens and the surrounding area trust us more than any other plumbing company. With more 5-star reviews than the next 10 plumbers combined, and a reputation built on honesty, craftsmanship, and heart, Plumber Pro Service & Drains is proud to be Athens’ go-to plumber.

So when the unexpected happens, or when you just want the job done right the first time – Call Plumber Pro.

Because around here, we believe that plumbing isn’t just about pipes, it’s about people. And to us, you’re family.