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


As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.
Share On: