Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Edmonton Homeowners

August in Edmonton means enjoying our beautiful summer weather, planning trips to Elk Island or the River Valley, and perhaps taking that well-deserved vacation. But before you head out to enjoy the Edmonton Folk Music Festival or escape to Jasper, it’s crucial to prepare your home’s plumbing system. As Edmonton’s trusted plumbing professionals, we see a spike in emergency calls every summer from homeowners in St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and across the Capital Region who return to plumbing disasters. Let me share our comprehensive summer plumbing maintenance checklist to keep your home safe and efficient.

Why Summer Plumbing Maintenance Matters in Edmonton

Summer brings unique challenges to Edmonton area plumbing systems:

Increased water usage from lawn watering and filling pools
Vacation-related issues when homes sit empty
Temperature fluctuations that still occur in Alberta summers
Heavy rain events that can overwhelm drainage systems
Higher risk of sewer backups during Edmonton’s storm season

Taking preventive action now saves money and prevents emergencies later. Our team at The Plumbing Pros regularly services homes from Windermere to Castle Downs, and we’ve seen how proper maintenance makes all the difference.

Pre-Vacation Plumbing Checklist

Before You Leave Your Edmonton Home

Planning a trip to the mountains or visiting family? Here’s what every Edmonton homeowner should do:

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

Locate your main shutoff valve (usually in the basement)
Turn it clockwise to close
This prevents catastrophic flooding if a pipe bursts
Essential for trips longer than 3 days

2. Drain the System

After shutting off water:

Open all faucets (highest floor first)
Flush all toilets
This removes standing water that could cause issues

3. Set Your Water Heater

Switch to “vacation mode” if available
Or lower temperature to 50°C
Saves energy while you’re away
Prevents bacterial growth in tank

4. Check Sump Pump Operation

Edmonton’s summer storms can be intense:

Test your sump pump before leaving
Clear debris from the pit
Consider a battery backup system
Critical for homes in flood-prone areas like Cloverdale

Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance

Hose Bibs and Outdoor Faucets

Summer is when we use outdoor water most in Edmonton:

Inspection Steps:

Check for leaks or drips
Ensure proper drainage away from foundation
Test shutoff valves
Look for signs of winter damage

Maintenance Tips:

Replace worn washers
Apply plumber’s tape to threads
Install backflow preventers
Consider frost-free models for Edmonton’s climate

Sprinkler System Care

Many Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park homes have irrigation systems:

Monthly Checks:

Inspect sprinkler heads for damage
Adjust spray patterns
Check for pooling water (indicates leaks)
Monitor water pressure

Professional Service:

Annual backflow testing (required by EPCOR)
System optimization for water conservation
Leak detection and repair
Winterization planning (yes, think ahead!)

Indoor Summer Plumbing Tasks

Kitchen Plumbing

Summer entertaining in Edmonton means kitchen drains work overtime:

Garbage Disposal Maintenance:

Run cold water before/during/after use
Grind ice cubes monthly to sharpen blades
Use citrus peels for freshness
Never put grease or fibrous foods down disposal

Dishwasher Care:

Clean filter monthly
Run empty cycle with vinegar
Check door seals for leaks
Inspect supply line connections

Bathroom Plumbing

With kids home for summer and more house guests:

Toilet Maintenance:

Check for running toilets (wastes 1000s of gallons)
Test flush power
Inspect wax seal at base
Tighten loose handles or seats

Shower and Tub Drains:

Remove hair from drains weekly
Check caulking around fixtures
Test overflow drains
Monitor water pressure changes

Water Conservation Tips for Edmonton Summers

With EPCOR water rates and environmental concerns, conservation matters:

Smart Watering Practices

Water lawns early morning or evening
Use rain barrels (City of Edmonton offers rebates)
Install low-flow fixtures
Fix leaks immediately (a dripping tap wastes 75 litres/day)

Efficient Appliance Use

Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
Upgrade to WaterSense certified fixtures
Install low-flow showerheads
Consider tankless water heaters

Basement and Foundation Concerns

Edmonton’s summer storms require special attention to basement plumbing:

Flood Prevention

Check These Areas:

Foundation cracks
Window wells
Floor drains
Sump pump operation

Preventive Measures:

Install backwater valves
Grade soil away from foundation
Clean eavestroughs and downspouts
Extend downspouts 6 feet from foundation

Humidity Control

High summer humidity affects plumbing:

Run dehumidifiers in basements
Ensure proper ventilation
Check for pipe condensation
Monitor for mold growth

Common Summer Plumbing Problems in Edmonton

Based on our service calls across Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, and Leduc:

1. Clogged Drains

BBQ grease in kitchen sinks
Grass clippings in floor drains
Sand and dirt from summer activities

2. Sewer Line Backups

Tree roots seeking water
Heavy rain overwhelming systems
Increased usage from guests

3. Water Heater Issues

Increased demand from house guests
Sediment buildup
Thermostat problems

4. Low Water Pressure

Mineral buildup in fixtures
Hidden leaks
Municipal supply issues

When to Call The Plumbing Pros

Some maintenance requires professional expertise:

Schedule Service For:

Annual water heater flushing
Sewer line camera inspections
Backflow preventer testing
Water pressure adjustments
Leak detection services

Emergency Situations:

Sewer backups
Major leaks or flooding
No hot water
Frozen pipes (yes, even in summer during cold snaps!)
Gas line concerns

Cost-Saving Maintenance Programs

At The Plumbing Pros, we offer maintenance programs for Edmonton area homes:

Benefits Include:

Priority emergency service
Discounted rates
Annual inspections
Preventive maintenance
Peace of mind

Coverage Areas:

All Edmonton neighborhoods
St. Albert
Sherwood Park
Spruce Grove
Fort Saskatchewan
Stony Plain
Leduc
Beaumont

Preparing for Fall and Winter

Yes, it’s only August, but smart Edmonton homeowners think ahead:

Start Planning Now:

Schedule fall furnace maintenance
Book winterization services
Install heat tape on vulnerable pipes
Insulate exposed plumbing

DIY vs Professional Maintenance

Tasks You Can Do:

Visual inspections
Basic cleaning
Filter changes
Testing fixtures
Minor adjustments

Leave to Professionals:

Gas line work
Main sewer repairs
Water heater maintenance
Backflow testing
Major leak repairs

The Plumbing Pros Advantage

Why Edmonton homeowners choose us for summer maintenance:

24/7 Availability - Emergencies don’t take vacations
Local Experience - We know Edmonton’s unique challenges
Red Seal Certified - Professional expertise guaranteed
Upfront Pricing - No surprise charges
Comprehensive Service - From simple maintenance to complex repairs
Fast Response - Same-day service available

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to ruin your Edmonton summer. Whether you’re in Mill Woods, Oliver, or anywhere in the Capital Region, The Plumbing Pros is here to help with all your summer plumbing maintenance needs.

Our Summer Special: Book a comprehensive plumbing inspection and receive 10% off any recommended maintenance services.

Conclusion

Proper summer plumbing maintenance protects your Edmonton home, saves money, and prevents vacation disasters. From simple DIY tasks to professional services, staying proactive is key. The Plumbing Pros has served Edmonton and surrounding communities since 2023, and we’re committed to keeping your plumbing running smoothly all summer long.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - especially when it comes to plumbing! Take care of these maintenance tasks now, and enjoy a worry-free Edmonton summer.

Need professional plumbing maintenance in Edmonton? Contact The Plumbing Pros at (780) 690-6955 for reliable service, upfront pricing, and expert advice. Available 24/7 for emergencies throughout Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and the entire Capital Region.

The Plumbing Pros