Living in Texas can bring its fair share of joys but also challenges, and the sweltering heat of summer is undoubtedly one of them. While you may be aware of the impact of high temperatures on your energy bills and overall comfort, it’s essential not to overlook the toll that the scorching DFW heat can take on your home’s plumbing system.  

Below, we will explore how extreme heat can affect your Dallas home’s plumbing and provide preventative solutions from the trusted plumbing experts at A-Star, to keep your pipes flowing smoothly all summer long. 

The Impact of Heat on Plumbing 

Expanding Pipes: When exposed to prolonged high temperatures, metal or plastic pipes that make up your plumbing system can expand. This expansion can lead to leaks, cracks, or even burst pipes, resulting in water damage to your property. 

Corrosion and Deterioration: Extreme heat can accelerate the corrosion and deterioration of plumbing materials, especially if your pipes are older or made of inferior quality. Over time, this can weaken the pipes, making them more susceptible to leaks or failure. 

Foundation shifts: Due to extreme hot weather or droughts, our home foundation can shift putting a serious strain on your pipes, creating a misalignment or separation in your drain lines, potentially leading to leaks or cracks. 

Preventative Solutions 

Update Fixtures: One of the first steps in protecting your Dallas home’s plumbing system is to update your fixtures. Older fixtures may be more prone to leaks or failures, so consider replacing them with newer, more efficient models. In addition, look for fixtures labeled as “heat-resistant” to ensure they can withstand the Texas heat. 

Insulate Exposed Pipes: Insulating and sealing exposed pipes is an effective way to shield them from extreme temperature fluctuations. Insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of expanding or contracting pipes. Focus on insulating pipes located in attics, crawlspaces, and exterior walls. 

Install Water Filtration Systems: The Texas heat often leads to increased water consumption, particularly when it comes to staying hydrated. Installing water filtration systems in your Dallas home can ensure a continuous supply of clean, refreshing water. In addition, these systems improve water quality by removing impurities, including chlorine and sediments, improving your drinking water taste, and improving overall water using appliances’ performance, while also protecting your drain lines from deterioration due to those damaging particles. 

Drain cleaning: As hot weather and summer vacation break call for friends and family gatherings at home. The increase showers, toilets, and garbage disposal usage can also lead to plumbing issues when you least expect them. Make sure you keep your reliable Plumbing experts at A-Star number at hand in case of a clogged toilet, shower, or sink. 

Schedule Regular Maintenance: Enlist the help of the professional plumbers at A-Star to conduct routine inspections and maintenance on your plumbing system. They can identify potential issues, such as worn-out seals or corroded pipes, and address them before they escalate into costly repairs. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and mitigate the effects of heat-related damage. 

Air Conditioning Drainage: Air conditioner filters must be changed every 2-3 months and we are usually pretty good at servicing our units twice a year, especially before summer to maintain that cool comfort in our home. But when was the last time you inspected your AC drains? Summer is the perfect occasion for mold to start growing, and the humidity of the drain is the perfect home for it. This build-up can cause blockages that lead to overflows and leaks; that’s why it is important to inspect and get your AC drain line cleared when extreme weather conditions are coming. 

Don’t let the Texas heat wreak havoc on your DFW home’s plumbing system. Understanding the impact of high temperatures and implementing preventative measures can protect your pipes from expanding, corroding, and deteriorating.