Can Your Plumbing Handle a Heatwave?

When it's so hot outside you feel like you're going to melt, the last thing you want to do is deal with a leaky pipe. Getting ice cream, going to the beach or sitting on your porch with an ice-cold glass of lemonade are all better uses of your time.

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Unfortunately, extreme heat puts extra stress on your plumbing system, increasing the risk of leaks and other issues. Learn more about heat wave plumbing issues and what you can do to prevent them.

Plumbing Issues that Can Arise Due to Extreme Heat

Heat-related plumbing problems all arise for the same basic reason: As the temperature increases, your pipes expand, putting additional stress on the seals, joints and fittings. This phenomenon, known as thermal expansion, occurs when atoms vibrate more than usual. As they vibrate, atoms move away from each other, causing PVC and other materials to expand.

Extra stress on seals, joints and fittings may cause the following heat wave plumbing issues:

• Leaky pipes

• Burst pipes

• Dripping faucets

• Lower water pressure

A slow drip may not seem like a big deal, but if you don't address minor problems right away, they might cause significant damage later. For example, if a pipe bursts while you're at work, you may come home to waterlogged flooring, walls and appliances.

Ways to Protect Your Pipes Against Heat Waves

The good news is that you can prepare for heat wave plumbing problems, reducing the risk of damage to your home. Before temperatures start soaring, follow these tips.

Add Insulation to Your Pipes

If you have exposed pipes, add insulation as soon as possible. Insulation protects pipes from extreme temperatures, reducing the risk of damage due to thermal expansion. As an added bonus, insulation increases your water temperature by up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer water means your water heater doesn't use as much energy. You also get to avoid standing in a cold shower while you wait for the water to warm up.

It's important to choose the right type of insulation, so it's a good idea to have a licensed professional assess your plumbing system before you install anything. Your plumber may recommend foam pipe insulation, which dampens noise and reduces the risk of heat-related damage. Another option is mineral wool, a material with a high level of heat resistance.

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• Watch Your Water Consumption

During a heat wave, it's tempting to run through the sprinklers and take several cold showers per day, but it's better to limit your consumption. Increasing your water usage may add stress to your plumbing system, worsening the effects of thermal expansion.

Follow these tips to reduce your water consumption during the summer months:

• Take shorter showers.

• Water your lawn early in the morning or late at night. If you do your watering when it's sunny, the water will evaporate quickly.

• Cover your pool so water doesn't evaporate when you're not using it. This reduces the amount of water you have to add to the pool throughout the summer.

• Pay for an automatic car wash instead of using your own hose and water.

• Turn off your hose when you're done using it.

• Repurpose water as much as possible. For example, if you plan to empty a kiddie pool, use the water for your garden and lawn.

Monitor Your Water Pressure

Monitoring your water pressure allows you to spot heat-related plumbing damage before it causes leaks or burst pipes. If you notice low water pressure, you can hire a plumber to inspect your system and make adjustments. To monitor your water pressure, purchase a pressure gauge and follow the instructions on the package.

Paint Exposed PVC Pipes

The reason you have to wear sunscreen during the summer is because the sun emits ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen protects you from the sun's rays, preventing skin damage. The same principle applies to exposed PVC pipes. If any of your pipes receive direct sunlight, painting them may help you avoid heat-related damage. Paint reflects the sun's rays, reducing the risk of thermal expansion.