Summer Plumbing Problems to Watch For (And How to Prevent Them)
7063837684 • June 20, 2025
NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning – Fargo-Moorhead

July is here! That means temperatures are continuing to rise. Between backyard barbecues (scroll to the bottom for a perfect BBQ grill recipe), summer guests, and watering the lawn, July is one of the busiest months for your home’s plumbing system, and one of the most common for plumbing problems to arise.
At NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, we believe prevention is key. Here are the most common mid-summer plumbing issues we see, and how to stay ahead of them.
🚿 1. Heavy Water Usage = Hidden Strain
With kids home for summer break and guests coming and going, your water usage skyrockets in July. More laundry, more showers, and more dishwashing can put stress on your pipes and water heater.
Prevention Tips:
• Space out water-heavy activities (like laundry and dishwashing) throughout the day
• Consider a tankless water heater for continuous hot water
• Schedule a mid-year plumbing inspection to check for unnoticed leaks or buildup
🧻 2. Clogged Toilets and Drains
Let’s be real—summer traffic in your home’s bathrooms can lead to slow drains and toilet backups. Small clogs often go unnoticed until they become bigger (and smellier) problems.
Prevention Tips:
• Keep a small trash bin in the bathroom to prevent flushing anything other than toilet paper
• Use drain catchers in sinks and tubs to block hair and debris
• If you notice gurgling sounds or slow draining, call us before it turns into a major blockage
💦 3. Leaky Outdoor Faucets & Hose Bibs
Outdoor faucets get heavy use during the summer months for watering lawns, gardens, and filling up kiddie pools. That frequent usage can expose leaks or damage from the winter that went unnoticed.
Prevention Tips:
• Check outdoor spigots for signs of dripping after you turn them off
• Look for water pooling near your foundation or hose connections
• We can repair or replace worn-out fixtures to prevent water waste and potential damage
🌧️ 4. Sump Pump Struggles & Basement Flooding
While summer often means sunshine, heavy July storms are also common in the Fargo area. Your sump pump is your basement’s first line of defense.
Prevention Tips:
• Test your sump pump monthly (just pour in a bucket of water and make sure it runs properly)
• Check the discharge line to make sure it’s clear and pointing away from your home
• Consider installing a backup battery in case of a power outage during a storm.
✅ Beat the Heat—Before the Leaks!
Don’t let a plumbing surprise ruin your summer fun. Whether it’s a mid-season tune-up or an emergency repair, the NorthStar team is ready to keep things flowing. If you're dealing with repeat clogs, water pressure changes, or moisture around your pipes, don’t wait.
📞 Call us today to schedule your July plumbing check-up!
📄 Printable Recipe Card: Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
🔥 Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)
• Bell peppers and red onions (chopped into skewer-sized pieces)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
4. Thread chicken, peppers, and onions alternately onto the skewers.
5. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
6. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
7. Serve hot with rice, salad, or grilled corn.
💡 NorthStar Tip: Want a spicy kick? Add a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
📸 Share your grill skills: Tag us @northstarplumbingnd in your BBQ pics!
https://barbecuesgalore.ca/blogs/food-for-thought/honey-garlic-chicken-skewers-recipe

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