Written By Davin Womeldorff
Licensed Contractor at Presidential Plumbing
Email: [email protected]
Welcome back to another Ask the Plumber column, and once again, thank you to everyone who continues to send in great questions. You keep me busy, you keep me writing, and you remind me that plumbing is never boring—especially in the desert.
This month’s question comes from Patricia S. in Sun City Palm Desert, who wants to know if there’s anything homeowners should do to prepare their house for the extreme heat we experience every year here in the Palm Springs Desert. Short answer, Patricia: yes… absolutely… and sooner is better than later.
First, check your water heater. Desert heat is tough on equipment, and an aging unit can fail at the worst possible time. Make sure it’s serviced, properly vented, and not showing signs of rust or leaks.
Next, inspect exposed pipes, especially those in garages or exterior walls. Extreme heat causes pipes to expand, and worn fittings can start leaking. Insulating hot and cold lines can help protect them—and improve efficiency.
If you have a water softener or filtration system, make sure it’s serviced and operating correctly. These systems work harder during summer when water usage increases.
Test your hose bibs and irrigation lines for leaks. A small drip in June can turn into a surprisingly large water bill by August.
Inside the home, clean drains and make sure everything is flowing properly. Summer guests, the kids and grandkids from school, and extra laundry all put added stress on your plumbing system.
Finally, know where your main water shutoff valve is and make sure it works. When a pipe fails in 115-degree heat, finding that valve quickly can save you thousands—and your sanity.
The desert heat is coming whether we’re ready or not. A little preparation now can keep your home cool, efficient, and leak-free all summer long.
Keep those questions coming!
Email questions to: [email protected]
