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3 Outdoor Plumbing Issues That Can Spoil the Backyard Fun This Summer

Posted on July 2, 2021 by

Don’t Let These Plumbing Problems Wash Away Your Fun Summer Plans!

Summer has arrived, which means homeowners are spending more and more time in their backyards. Not just because more upkeep is required during the summer months - mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, watering the garden, etc. - but also for much more fun reasons. Sipping lemonade on the porch, playing in the pool, and hosting epic cookouts are just a few of the best ways to make the most out of summer. 

And the last thing anyone wants is for some unexpected plumbing issue to rear its ugly head and bring the fun to a halt. Outdoor plumbing problems can come in many forms, so it’s good to know what to look for - here are three of the most common kinds of plumbing fiascos homeowners may face this summer.

Malfunctioning Sprinkler System

sprinkler

The majority of summertime outdoor plumbing issues have to do with sprinkler and irrigation systems. Sprinkler heads can become obstructed by vegetation or clogged with dirt or other debris and stop spraying correctly. A damaged sprinkler head may turn into a geyser, spraying wildly. These are all pretty easy problems to detect and diagnose.

Other problems may not be so obvious. If a sprinkler has low water pressure or doesn’t produce any water, the problem may be an electrical issue at the control box, a seized valve, or a faulty backflow device. Low water pressure may also be caused by a leak in an underground irrigation line. A soggy spot in the yard, where water is seeping into the ground, accompanied by low pressure, usually indicates a leak.

Leaky or Weak Hose Bibs

hoseHose bibs can be another source of great frustration for homeowners. The two main issues with hose bibs are leaks and low water pressure. A lack of water pressure may mean that the pipe is clogged with crusty mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium. This is often accompanied by a whining sound when the water is turned on. Other possible culprits are an upstream water leak or corroded valve.

A leaky hose bib is typically the result of a worn or broken compression valve inside the spigot. However, it could also be caused by a more significant problem like rust, corrosion, or loose pipe couplings. If water only leaks from the top of the spigot when the water is turned on, it usually means that the packing string on the valve stem is aging and worn out, which allows water to escape upward through the valve threads.

Ruptured Sewer Lines

A damaged sewer line is the mother of all outdoor plumbing problems. Typically caused by tree root interference or shifting soil, a sewer line rupture is always bad news. If the pipe becomes clogged by the invading roots or an influx of surrounding dirt, wastewater can begin coming up through the home’s drains. Alternatively, the wastewater may pour out into the yard, turning the lawn into the world’s worst swamp.

In the best-case scenario, a plumber will be able to repair the broken sewer line with a special epoxy - a method that requires little to no digging. In the worst-case scenario, they may need to excavate and replace a large portion of the pipe. In either case, one thing is for sure: a damaged sewer line can’t be repaired quickly enough!

About First Choice Plumbing Solutions

First Choice Plumbing Solutions has been proudly serving the Port St. Lucie, Florida community for years. Their licensed, bonded, and insured technicians are clean, courteous experts who always arrive on time in fully-stocked trucks. First Choice provides 24-hour emergency service and guarantees 100% satisfaction on every job. Give them a call today for professional sewer line services in Port St. Lucie.

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