Back to School Plumbing Tips: Keeping Your Home Running Smoothly in Lubbock, TX

As the back-to-school season approaches, households across Lubbock, TX, become bustling hubs of activity. Whether you’re a parent preparing school lunches, managing busy morning routines, or simply getting back into the groove after summer, the last thing you want to deal with is a plumbing disaster. Plumbing issues don’t take a break, even when life gets busier—and in Lubbock, where the climate can fluctuate from dry heat to sudden rain, your plumbing system needs extra care to stay in top shape.

With that in mind, this blog will guide you through essential back-to-school plumbing tips to ensure your home runs smoothly, no matter how hectic your schedule gets. From preparing your pipes for increased usage to inspecting key fixtures, these tips will help you avoid the hassle of plumbing breakdowns during one of the busiest times of the year.

1. Inspect for Leaks and Drips

One of the simplest yet most crucial plumbing checks is to inspect your home for leaks and drips. Even a small leak can add up to significant water waste over time, which not only raises your water bill but also contributes to water shortages in areas like Lubbock, where water conservation is key. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually.

Check Common Problem Areas:

• Faucets (kitchen and bathrooms)
• Showerheads
• Toilets (listen for the sound of water running even when not in use)
• Outdoor hoses and spigots

These seemingly minor issues can become major inconveniences when school starts and water usage increases, so now is the time to make any necessary repairs.

2. Prepare Your Garbage Disposal for Heavy Use

During the school season, your garbage disposal may see an uptick in usage, whether it’s for food prep or cleaning up after family meals. Ensuring it’s working efficiently will save you from headaches later.

Maintenance Tips:

• Run cold water while using the disposal to help solidify grease and fats, preventing clogs.
• Avoid putting tough or fibrous items, such as potato peels, eggshells, and celery, down the drain.
• Once a month, toss a few ice cubes into the disposal to help keep the blades sharp and clear away debris.

If your garbage disposal shows signs of trouble (strange noises, slow drainage, etc.), it might be time to have it inspected before it causes a more severe issue.

3. Check for Water Pressure Issues

Another common plumbing problem that tends to rear its head when household activity spikes is inconsistent water pressure. Whether you’re trying to get the kids ready for school or quickly wash up after a long day, low water pressure can throw a wrench into your plans.

Signs of Low Water Pressure:

• Slow-running water from faucets and showerheads
• Appliances that take longer to fill or run (e.g., washing machines or dishwashers)
• Water flow that weakens after a few seconds

Low water pressure can be a sign of larger issues, such as leaks, mineral buildup in pipes, or even a problem with your municipal water supply. To avoid disrupting your busy school routine, have a professional check out any water pressure concerns.

4. Inspect Your Water Heater

With cooler mornings creeping in, your household may start to rely on the water heater more frequently. Ensure your water heater is in optimal condition to avoid cold showers or malfunctioning during your hectic mornings.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips:

• Check the temperature setting. It should be set at 120°F to prevent scalding and to conserve energy.
• Drain your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup, which can affect its efficiency.
• Listen for any strange noises—this could indicate a problem with the heating element or sediment accumulation.

For families in Lubbock, the reliability of hot water is even more important as the school season kicks in. Regular inspections can extend the life of your water heater and prevent sudden breakdowns.

5. Prevent Toilet Clogs

When you have a busy household, clogged toilets can quickly become a major inconvenience. Frequent toilet use during the morning rush and after-school bathroom breaks can put added strain on your plumbing system.

Simple Steps to Avoid Clogs:

• Make sure everyone in the household knows to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
• Use a plunger at the first sign of slow drainage to prevent the problem from worsening.
• Install a low-flow toilet to reduce water usage and prevent strain on your plumbing system.

Additionally, check your toilet for any hidden leaks. A good way to test for leaks is by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If you notice the color in the bowl within 10 to 15 minutes, it means your toilet has a leak.

6. Clean Your Drains Regularly

Your drains will likely experience a lot more traffic when school is in session—between extra showers, handwashing, and dishes, blockages can build up over time. To keep everything running smoothly, regular drain cleaning is essential.

At-Home Drain Cleaning Tips:

• Use a drain screen to catch hair and debris in the shower or tub.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes over time.
• A simple mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water can help clean minor clogs.

If you notice persistent clogs, gurgling sounds, or slow drainage, it may be a sign of a bigger problem that requires professional intervention.

7. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing

Lubbock’s weather can be unpredictable, and outdoor plumbing fixtures often take the brunt of temperature fluctuations. Before the school year starts, inspect outdoor spigots, hoses, and sprinkler systems to ensure everything is in working order.

Outdoor Plumbing Checklist:

• Ensure hoses are properly stored and check for cracks or leaks.
• Look for any visible wear or leaks around outdoor faucets.
• Inspect sprinkler systems for leaks or malfunctioning heads, which can lead to water waste.

Taking care of these issues early can prevent larger problems as the season changes, particularly if your family enjoys outdoor activities during weekends.

8. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

If you want to go a step further in conserving water and keeping your plumbing system efficient during the busy school season, consider upgrading to water-efficient fixtures.

Benefits of Water-Efficient Fixtures:

• Reduced water bills: Low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads can reduce water usage by up to 30%.
• Increased lifespan of your plumbing: By putting less strain on your plumbing system, these fixtures can help avoid frequent repairs.
• Positive environmental impact: Water-efficient fixtures conserve a precious resource in water-scarce areas like Lubbock.

These upgrades not only help your plumbing run smoothly but also contribute to a more sustainable home.

For Plumbing Services in Lubbock, TX, Contact Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C Today

As the school year kicks off, it’s important to make sure your home’s plumbing is in top shape. By following these tips, you can prevent common issues and ensure your household runs smoothly during the busy back-to-school season. However, if you encounter any major plumbing concerns or want to ensure your system is fully prepared, professional help is just a phone call away.

At Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, we specialize in keeping your home’s plumbing system running efficiently. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or expert advice on water-saving fixtures, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your schedule—contact Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C today for reliable and professional service in Lubbock, TX!