From Your Local Pros at Spicewood Plumbing
If you’re living in Spicewood, TX, you know one thing for certain—our Texas summers don’t play around. The moment June rolls in, the sun starts cranking up like it’s got something to prove, and before you know it, the sidewalks are sizzling. But while you’re out there chugging ice water and trying to keep your lawn from turning into toast, there’s something else quietly taking a beating—the plumbing system in your home.
Most people don’t realize that just like your car, your pipes and fixtures aren’t immune to the wrath of Texas heat. In fact, summer is one of the most demanding seasons on your plumbing. Here at Spicewood Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—busted pipes, cranky water heaters, mysteriously low water pressure—and we’re here to help you understand how it all connects to that blazing summer sun.
So grab a cold glass of lemonade, kick back, and let’s break it down for you—Texas style.
Expansion and Contraction: Pipes Don’t Stay Still
Let’s start with the basics. Just like anything else made of metal or plastic, your pipes expand when it gets hot. Then, when temperatures cool down (even slightly at night), they contract. This constant expanding and contracting might seem harmless, but over time it can wear out the very structure of your plumbing system.
This stress shows up in a few ways:
- Loosening pipe joints
- Cracks forming along vulnerable lines
- Pressure buildup that can eventually cause a rupture
And during summer, the issue gets worse because of increased water usage. Think about it—between sprinklers, pools, and the extra laundry from all those outdoor activities, your pipes are working overtime. If your plumbing system is already under stress from temperature fluctuations, that extra demand might just push it over the edge.
Here’s a pro tip from us: if you hear banging pipes (known as “water hammer”) or start seeing wet spots in the walls or ceiling, call us sooner rather than later. These are signs your pipes are stressed out—and they might be about to break.
Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?
Ever turned on the hose mid-July and wondered why it’s coming out more like a lazy drip than a steady stream? It’s not just your imagination. Low water pressure in summer is incredibly common in homes all over Spicewood and the Hill Country.
There are a few big culprits:
- Lawn irrigation systems running morning and night
- Pools being filled and topped off
- Everyone in the household taking more showers
- Your neighbors doing the same exact thing
All of this adds up to more demand on the municipal water supply, which can cause your overall water pressure to drop. And while low pressure seems more like a nuisance than a full-on plumbing emergency, it can be the symptom of a larger issue—like a hidden leak or partially clogged pipe.
Don’t just live with it. If you notice a sudden change in water pressure, let us take a look. We’ve got the tools to inspect your system and catch small issues before they turn into big, expensive ones.
Water Heaters Work Overtime in the Summer Too
Now this one surprises a lot of folks. You’d think your water heater gets to take a break when it’s 100+ degrees outside, right? Not exactly.
Here’s why:
- Hot water is still needed for showers, laundry, and dishwashing
- Long, hot days cause temperature swings that confuse the thermostat inside your water heater
- Extra household activity during summer break puts a bigger load on your system
These factors can lead to overheating, increased wear and tear, and even small leaks. And let’s be real—nothing ruins a summer morning faster than realizing your shower went from steamy to icy halfway through.
So if your hot water isn’t lasting as long, or if your unit is making noises like a popcorn machine, it’s probably time for a maintenance check. Our Spicewood Plumbing team can flush your system, check for sediment buildup, and make sure your heater’s operating efficiently—even in triple-digit weather.
Texas Soil + Heat = Shifting Ground (And That’s Not Good)
Ah, Texas clay soil. It’s stubborn, it’s dense, and in a heatwave, it gets dry enough to crack open like a peanut shell. When that happens, the ground shifts. Unfortunately, so do your underground pipes.
Shifting soil can cause:
- Pipes to become misaligned
- Cracks in sewer lines or main water lines
- Damage to the foundation and plumbing connections
These problems usually don’t show themselves until water starts backing up, pooling in the yard, or causing your foundation to feel “off.” If you notice odd plumbing behavior like gurgling toilets, weird smells, or lush green patches in your lawn (especially during a dry spell), your underground lines might need a professional inspection.
Spicewood homes—especially those built a few decades back—are more vulnerable to this kind of damage. If you’re in an older home or have had foundation work done recently, it’s wise to be extra vigilant.
Summer Plumbing Problems to Watch Out For
Here’s a handy list of the most common summer plumbing issues we deal with in the Spicewood area. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time for a checkup:
- Low Water Pressure – May indicate overuse, a leak, or restricted flow.
- Banging or Noisy Pipes – A sign of expansion stress or loose supports.
- Water Heater Woes – Short hot water supply or strange noises signal trouble.
- Cracks in Outdoor Faucets – Caused by heat or ground shifting.
- Sewer Line Backups – Tree roots, dry soil, and pipe misalignment all play a part.
- Foul Smells – Could indicate vent or trap issues, especially after rain.
- Unexpected Puddles – Indoors or outside, these hint at hidden leaks.
Staying Ahead of the Heat
We get it—plumbing problems are the last thing you want to deal with during summer vacation or while hosting a backyard BBQ. But the truth is, staying proactive is the best way to avoid those frustrating, expensive mid-summer emergencies.
That’s why we always recommend seasonal inspections—especially before or during the peak of summer. A quick look from a licensed plumber can spot small cracks, wear-and-tear, or pressure issues before they become giant headaches. Whether it’s tightening a loose joint, flushing out your water heater, or inspecting your main water line, it’s always better to get ahead of it.
Our team at Spicewood Plumbing is local, friendly, and experienced. We know what Texas heat does to plumbing—and more importantly, we know how to stop it in its tracks.
Stay Cool and Keep Your Pipes Happy
There’s no denying it—Texas heat is tough. It’s tough on people, pets, and yep, even your plumbing. But the good news is, with a little knowledge and a lot of support from your hometown pros, you can protect your system from summer-related stress.
Whether you’ve got low water pressure, a tired water heater, or pipes that sound like they’re throwing a party inside your walls, you can count on Spicewood Plumbing to set things right. We’re not just here for emergencies—we’re your year-round partner for keeping your home running smooth.
So when the summer sun is blazing, don’t sweat it—just give Spicewood Plumbing a call and we’ll keep things flowing like they should.