Key takeaways:
- Outdoor plumbing issues can be hard to spot, unless you know exactly what to look for.
- We share tips for troubleshooting problems with outdoor faucets, hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and more.
- Some of these outdoor plumbing issues are easy DIY fixes, but it’s best to call a Nashville plumber for leaks and other serious problems.
It’s summer, and you’re spending more time outside. You’re probably using more water for things like watering your lawn and plants or filling your above-ground pool.
Using more water means higher water bills, which can hide ongoing issues with your outdoor plumbing. If you’re dealing with weak water pressure or notice signs like soggy landscaping or moisture around your home’s foundation, it’s time ot call a local plumber for help.
In this blog, we go over common summertime outdoor plumbing issues in the Nashville area and what to do about them.
Your Nashville-Area Summertime Outdoor Plumbing Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist you can go through to spot common issues with your outdoor plumbing:
- Test every outdoor faucet and hose bib. Pay attention to leaks and water pressure.
- Inspect hoses, connectors, nozzles, and splitters for signs of damage.
- If you have sprinklers, run every irrigation zone separately and watch for leaks or overspray.
- If needed, clean sprinkled heads and adjust the spray patterns.
- Look for standing water, soft soil, or patches of lush green grass.
- Check your water meter when everything is turned off. A moving counter can indicate a slow leak.
- Make sure your property has good drainage paths for rainwater. Check gutters, downspouts, and yard drains.
Read on to learn more about these tests, what to watch out for, and when you should call an outdoor plumber.
Outdoor Faucets and Garden Hoses: Simple Tests and DIY Fixes
Leaky faucets and old garden hoses can cause your water bill to go up. Here’s what you should watch for:
- Turn on each outdoor faucet at slow and then normal flow. Look for sprays where the faucet connects to the wall, and watch for drips after you turn the water off.
- You should also check for leaks around the handle and packing nut.
- Next, attach your garden hose to each faucet to test the hose bib. Make sure the connection is tight.
- Watch for a slow trickle, unusual sounds, or moisture building up in the wall. These can indicate the pipe running to your outdoor faucet has been damaged by freezing temperatures during the winter.
Small fixes like replacing a hose washer, tightening a hose bib connection, or cleaning a dirty faucet aerator are simple DIY tasks. However, you should call a Nashville outdoor plumber if you suspect a leak inside the wall behind an outdoor faucet. You can also get a pro to install a frost-proof outdoor faucet to prevent future damage.
How to Run an Irrigation System Check
Your irrigation system can use a lot of water during the summer, so it’s important to make sure it’s working properly. Run each irrigation zone one at a time and walk around your yard while the sprinklers are on.
Pay attention to your sprinkler heads. They can become broken, clogged, tilted, or buried under grass and mulch. Clean away any debris and adjust the spray pattern as needed so that you’re not watering the sidewalk.
You should also check the valve boxes for standing water, damaged wiring, or visible leaks. Then, review your irrigation controller settings. Watering during the evening or early morning can help reduce evaporation, but you should always check with Nashville Metro Water Services or your local water utility for current watering restrictions.
You can clean sprinkler heads yourself, but other irrigation fixes often require a professional. Call a Nashville plumber or irrigation professional if you notice:
- Spongy or soggy areas in your yard.
- Grass growing much faster or looking greener in one area.
- Water pooling when your irrigation system is turned off.
- Your water bill going up more than expected.
- Low water pressure in one or more irrigation zones.
These issues can point to a leak in an underground irrigation line or a damaged valve. In some cases, unusually wet grass can also be a sign of a sewer line leak or septic tank issue, so it’s best to have an expert take a look.
Protect Your Home With Better Rainwater Drainage
Storms are common during Nashville summers. You need good drainage to protect your foundation and landscaping during heavy rains:
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean, and make sure the downspouts are firmly connected.
- Pay attention to signs of overflow around your home. These can include soil erosion, washed-out mulch, and standing water below downspout outlets.
- You should also check yard drains and other surface drainage features. Inspect catch basins, grate covers, channel drains, French drain outlets, and swales for leaves, mulch, soil, or debris. Clear away anything that is blocking water from flowing through the area.
- Pay close attention to patios, walkways, driveways, and outdoor kitchen areas. Water should drain away from your home instead of collecting near the foundation. Muddy spots, pooling water, and areas where water flows back toward the house can indicate a drainage problem.
There isn’t much you can do yourself to address drainage issues other than keeping your gutters clean. It’s best to call a local expert if you suspect drainage problems.
Other Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures to Check
Depending on your property, you may have other outdoor plumbing fixtures that need attention. Don’t forget to check:
- Outdoor kitchens and bar sinks: Test the water flow and watch for slow-draining sinks.
- Water features: Clean filters and screens, then check pumps, basins, and tubing for leaks.
- Outdoor showers: Test the faucet, showerhead, and drain to make sure everything works properly.
- Sump pump discharge: Make sure the discharge path is clear and directs water away from your home.
Need Help With Outdoor Plumbing in Nashville?
Airstream Services HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing provides fast, reliable plumbing repairs throughout the Nashville area. Whether you need an outdoor faucet upgrade or suspect a problem with your irrigation system, our expert plumbers are here to help.
Book a service online or call 616-216-5979 today for fast dispatch and transparent estimates.
FAQ
How do I know if my outdoor faucet is leaking?
Check for drips after you turn the faucet off, water around the handle or packing nut, and moisture where the faucet connects to the exterior wall. A higher water bill or water stains inside near the faucet can also indicate a hidden leak.
Why is there a soggy spot in my yard?
A soggy or spongy area can be caused by an irrigation line leak, a broken sprinkler head, poor yard drainage, or a sewer line issue. If the area stays wet when your irrigation system is off, call a professional to find the source of the problem.
Why is my sprinkler system losing water pressure?
Low pressure in one or more zones may be caused by a clogged or broken sprinkler head, a damaged valve, or a leak in an underground irrigation line. Cleaning a sprinkler head may help, but you should call a plumber if the problem persists.
How often should I check my irrigation system in summer in Nashville?
You should check your system at the beginning of summer and inspect it once a month after that. Run each zone separately and look for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, overspray, pooling water, and areas of the lawn that are getting too much or too little water.
