While your disposal is built to handle everyday scraps, summer food waste presents a more formidable challenge. Watermelon rinds, corn husks, greasy grill pans, and rib bones aren’t exactly “light duty” for your disposal. Add in the temptation to rinse everything down the drain after a big party, and you’ve got a perfect storm for clogs, jams, and even complete breakdowns.

What Poor Garbage Disposal Summer Habits Can Cause Breakdowns?

Overloading After BBQs or Parties

Summertime get-togethers lead to heavier kitchen use—and even a heavier load of food waste. It’s common to toss significant amounts of scraps down the drain in a hurry, especially when cleaning up after a crowd. That said, overloading your garbage disposal can dull the blades, overheat the motor, or cause it to lock up entirely. Bones and dense food items can crack or jam internal components, forcing the motor to work harder or to give up altogether.

Grease and Oil Buildup

Pouring hot cooking grease down the drain might seem harmless in the moment, but as it cools, it hardens into this thick, gummy sludge that clings to the inside of your pipes and disposal walls. Over time, this sticky buildup will trap other food particles and other debris, eventually forming a clog that backs up waste into your sink. 

Tough and Fibrous Summer Produce

Summer produce like corn, melons, and leafy greens often come with hard rinds or stringy fibers. Corn husks and celery strings can tangle in the impellers, while watermelon rinds or fruit pits can stop the blades completely. This isn’t a level of trash that is simply a little more challenging to grind—it’s a situation that can be risky to your disposal’s lifespan.

Neglected Cleaning and Maintenance

Disposals that see more use in the summer are also going to require more of your attention, which means practicing a little DIY drain maintenance. When food particles and other debris get stuck in the grinding chamber, they can cause unpleasant odors. Over time, neglected debris can harden or start to grow mold, affecting performance. If your disposal hums but doesn’t grind when turned on, it might be dealing with an internal buildup issue instead of a mechanical fault.

How Can I Tell If My Garbage Disposal Is Failing?

If your garbage disposal starts acting up more often during the summer, it’s probably not a coincidence, as increased usage tends to amplify minor problems.

• Humming But Not Grinding: This typically means something is stuck in the impeller or the motor is straining as a result of a blockage.
• Frequent Jams or Slow Draining: A sign that food waste or grease buildup is slowing down the system.
• Persistent Bad Smells: Trapped debris and bacterial growth can cause foul odors that linger even after rinsing.
• Leaking from the Base or Sides: Indicates that internal seals or gaskets have worn out, possibly from overuse. 

These are all symptoms that your disposal is overworked—and lax summer plumbing habits are probably to blame.

How to Prevent Summer Garbage Disposal Damage

Most disposal problems can be avoided with a few simple changes to how you use the appliance:

• Break Up Food Waste: Feed small portions into the disposal slowly rather than dumping a whole plate of scraps in at once.
• Run Hot Water: Always let the hot water run for several seconds before, during, and after using the disposal. It helps move debris through the pipes and flushes away as much waste as possible.
• Keep Starchy and Fibrous Foods Out of the Disposal: Kitchen waste like potato peels, pasta, corn husks, and banana peels should be thrown into the trash instead. These foods can swell, end up wrapped around the impeller, or get trapped somewhere inside the disposal mechanism.
• Try Some DIY Tricks to Help Your Disposal: Throw a handful of ice cubes down the drain and run the disposal to knock loose some of the debris. Follow that up with a baking soda and vinegar flush – use one cup of each, pouring the baking soda first, followed by the vinegar. Failure to follow the steps in this order will leave you with a dry lump of baking soda in your sink and a puzzled look on your face. If you do it right, it’ll take you right back to that volcano you made in 5th-grade science class. Now, throw some citrus peels or small lemon wedges into the disposal and run it -along with some hot water-to clear out any remaining odors.
• Don’t Ever Pour Grease Down the Drain: Allow it to cool and solidify, and dispose of it in the trash to prevent pipe-clogging buildup. As you’re moving it to the garbage can, ask yourself if you want that oily clump hanging out in your drain or sewer lines.

With just a little extra care, it’s easy to keep your disposal running smoothly—even during the busiest kitchen season of the year.

When Should I Call for Garbage Disposal Repair in Houston?

If your disposal stops working entirely, there are a couple of DIY tricks that may get it back up and running. You may be able to fix it by pressing the reset button—usually located on the bottom of the unit. But when that doesn’t work, or the same issue continues to occur, it’s time to get professional disposal repair help.

• The Reset Button Doesn’t Work: This indicates a more serious internal issue than a simple motor overload.
• The Disposal Hums But Won’t Spin: Likely caused by jammed blades or a seized motor.
• Sink Water Backs Up: Usually, the sign of a clog in the drain line or perhaps a failure in the grinding mechanism.
• Visible Leaks or Strange Noises: These are signs of worn-out seals, loose components, or a motor on its last legs.

At Nick’s Plumbing, we’ve handled just about every possible garbage disposal failure you can imagine, and they always seem to spike during Houston summers. Whether your blades are jammed or the motor’s gone radio silent, we’ll quickly diagnose and repair the issue, or install a new unit if necessary. Nick’s wants to get you back to enjoying your summertime activities without worrying about your garbage disposal.

Why Choose Nick’s Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Repair?

Nick’s Plumbing has been serving Houston homeowners across six decades, so we’re intimately familiar with the unique challenges that come with summer plumbing issues. From holiday cookout cleanups to mystery clogs from your kid’s “science experiment,” our licensed technicians have seen it all.

Nick’s Plumbing offers friendly service, honest pricing, and repairs done right the first time. Same-day availability is often possible, especially for emergency issues like drain and sewer line backups and water supply pipe leaks. 

If your garbage disposal is humming, leaking, or just plain stuck—don’t wait. Give Nick’s a call and let us get things grinding again.

The post Why Is Summer So Tough on Houston Garbage Disposals? appeared first on Nicks Plumbing & Air Conditioning.

“Summer plumbin’, my pipe had a crack,

  Summer floodin’, it happened so fast!”

Most homeowners tend to only associate catastrophic plumbing pipe damage with freezing winter temperatures. Here in Houston, the summers can be just as, if not even more brutal for your plumbing, as intense heat, high humidity, and surging water use all contribute to a perfect storm that puts your pipes under tremendous pressure. 

Pipe cracks, leaking hose bibs, and even burst water supply pipes aren’t just cold-weather problems.

Houston’s relentless summer temperatures don’t just affect your comfort level; they make your pipes uncomfortable as well. Heat can significantly impact the materials that comprise your plumbing system. 

If you have noticed a drop in water pressure, strange puddles around the property, incredibly lush, green grass in just one area of the yard, or a spike in your water bill during the summer months, your pipes could be trying to tell you something.

How Heat Affects Pipes: Expansion, Pressure, and Stress.

When it gets hot, materials expand. Pipes made from metal, either copper or galvanized steel, are prone to heat-related expansion, but will usually contract once the temperature goes back down. These constant expansion-and-contraction cycles put excessive strain on pipe joints, seals, and fittings, which will eventually lead to leaks or cracks. PEX and other pipes made of flexible plastics can become too soft under extreme heat and struggle to maintain pressure.

So while your plumbing system is enduring this torture, add to the equation the fact that Houston summers bring water use way up. Sprinklers, swimming pools, pressure washing, and (hopefully) more showers will mean higher water pressure throughout the system. That added pressure can exacerbate minor weaknesses in your pipes, sometimes transforming a hairline crack into a full-blown rupture.

Tree Roots: The Hidden Threat to Underground Pipes

Trees and plants love summer. Unfortunately, so do their roots. As the soil heats up and dries out, tree roots stretch farther in search of moisture—and underground plumbing lines make a tempting target. Once roots find a crack or loose joint in your pipes, they begin to creep in, widening gaps, and creating a blockage to the wastewater flow.

You won’t be able to see this happening, as roots infiltrate your sewer line, but you might be lucky enough to observe early symptoms, such as slow drains, odd gurgling noises, or standing water in your yard. 

If left unaddressed, root intrusion will cause significant damage to your sewer line that will necessitate either sewer pipe re-lining or a complete replacement. Now, even though both methods involve some excavation of your yard, a sewer pipe relining doesn’t require us to perform the “open yard surgery” that a complete sewer line replacement would require. 

UV Radiation and Outdoor Plumbing Exposure.

If you have exposed pipes outside—perhaps under a deck, along an exterior wall, or in an uninsulated attic—they are especially vulnerable during Houston’s peak summer months.

Have you ever tried to get cold water out of your kitchen tap in July or August, only to have “slightly less than hot” water flow out, regardless of how long you let it run? That’s a sign that your pipes (and probably the city or municipality’s pipes as well) are overheated. Direct sunlight will quickly warm those pipes up. Over time, direct UV exposure will break down certain plastics, like PVC, making them brittle and prone to cracking.

Even if a pipe doesn’t split outright, heat-stressed fittings and connections will eventually start to leak. Unfortunately, these minor leaks often go unnoticed until they’ve already had a head start at causing extensive water damage or mold issues.

Shifting Soil: A Problem for Foundations, and a Problem for Pipes.

Houston has to deal with two extremes during the summer months. The first being our extreme summer heat that causes the soil to dry out, shrink, and shift—especially in areas with clay-heavy soil, which is most of the Houston area. 

Now, of course, what summer in Houston would be complete without the daily, torrential downpours that we get for weeks at a time? Once all of that excess rainwater seeps into the dry, shriveled soil, it starts to expand. When that happens beneath your home, it isn’t just going to shift your foundation around; it will also knock underground pipes out of alignment or cause them to crack from increased pressure.

This is particularly concerning for many older homes in our historic districts that still have their original 1930s – 1960s plumbing, as the pipes laid decades ago weren’t designed to withstand the soil movement caused by today’s hotter, drier summers. Plus, when you factor in just how much the population has grown in and around Houston, you start to understand the degree of stress our plumbing is under. 

Warning Signs That Heat Has Damaged Your Pipes:

• Sudden drop in water pressure.
• Discolored water from taps.
• Unexplained wet spots in your yard or around your slab.
• Water meter spinning even when all fixtures are turned off.
• Recurring drain backups or slow sinks.

If your plumbing system is showing any of these symptoms during the summer months, don’t ignore them; call Nick’s Plumbing to evaluate the damage and recommend the appropriate solution. What seems like a minor issue today could become a serious plumbing repair nightmare if it’s left alone to fester for too long.

Simple Ways to Prevent Summer Pipe Damage.

Houston’s summer heat isn’t just hard on you—it can wear down your plumbing, too. But with a few proactive habits, you can keep your pipes in better shape and lessen the chance of unpleasant surprises.

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: While it’s intuitive to think the opposite, the same foam insulation wraps you use to keep your pipes from freezing in the winter will also help regulate pipe temperature and reduce the risk of expansion-related cracks or bursts throughout the summer months. Foam pipe wraps are also able to protect outdoor piping from UV damage.
• Be Smart About Water Use: Try to limit heavy water usage to the hours of non-peak use, as opposed to in the early morning or late afternoon. By spreading out your irrigation and laundry loads, you can help reduce strain on both your home’s plumbing and the city’s water supply.
• Schedule a Mid-Summer Plumbing Check-Up: A complete plumbing inspection and maintenance service call allows us to catch early signs of any underground damage like pipe shifting, corrosion, or hidden leaks before they escalate into full-on emergencies.
• Inspect All Outdoor Fixtures: Anything that is capable of delivering water to the property outside your home, including hose bibs, sprinkler heads, and pressurized irrigation lines, will take a beating in the extreme heat and direct sun. 
• Keep an Eye on the Trees: If you’ve got large trees near your main sewer line, a camera inspection can confirm whether your tree’s roots are minding their own business—or trying to get a little overly friendly with your sewer line.

When to Call for Professional Plumbing Help.

If you’re noticing frequent leaks, pressure issues, or you’ve had pipe repairs in the past, it’s worth having a licensed plumber evaluate your system. A professional can spot warning signs you might miss and recommend solutions tailored to Houston’s unique climate.

Basic regular maintenance and repairs of minor issues should be done now to prevent larger problems, such as rerouting a vulnerable section of pipe or installing a pressure regulator on your water meter. Don’t wait until a pipe bursts in the middle of a summer heatwave.

Why Choose Nick’s Plumbing for Summer Pipe Repair?

At Nick’s Plumbing, we understand what Houston heat can do to your pipes—because we live with it too. Our licensed and experienced plumbing technicians are trained to diagnose the subtle signs of heat-related pipe stress and offer fast, permanent solutions.

Whether it’s a mysterious leak, a root-invaded sewer line, or a pressure issue in your irrigation setup, we’ll get your plumbing back on track with honest advice and no sales pressure.

Summer plumbing issues in Houston aren’t always dramatic, but they can be just as problematic as anything we see in the winter months. With a bit of awareness—and Nick’s Plumbing in your contacts list—you can keep your pipes cool, calm, and intact all season long.

The post How Summer Heat Can Damage Your Plumbing With Cracks, Leaks, and Bursts appeared first on Nicks Plumbing & Air Conditioning.

Pressurized Water Supply Pipe Leaks Release Far More Water Than A Drain Pipe Leak

Water that enters your home from either a city or municipal supply travels from the treatment facility, where pressurized lines distribute it to homes in that area. The standard ideal pressure range for residential water supply lines is between 50 and 70 psi (pounds per square inch), and the flow rate created by that pressure varies based on the pipe size. For example, a half-inch pipe will pump around 50 gallons per minute into your home, where a broken 1-inch supply pipe can empty as much as 210 gallons per minute.

Naturally, that amount of water will spread quickly, seeping into walls, floors, and personal belongings. If not discovered soon enough, it will cause severe structural damage and contribute to mildew and mold growth. What you do in the first few minutes after finding a broken water supply pipe can make the difference between a minor cleanup and spending tens of thousands of dollars in remediation and repairs.

Immediate Steps to Take When a Pipe Bursts

To minimize the damage from a water supply line that has burst, you will need to act fast.

The first thing you should do in an emergency involving a burst pipe is shut off your home’s main water supply valve. This valve is typically located near the foundation in the crawl space, garage, or outside near the meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops. This will halt the flow of water into the home and prevent additional flooding.

If you don’t know where your main shut-off valve is, make it a priority to find and label it. Share this information with your entire family!

At this point, your goal is to minimize the damage as much as possible, so move any nearby electronics, furniture, or valuables to a dry space to avoid further damage. Then, grab as many towels, mops, buckets, blankets, and a wet/dry vacuum (if possible) to speed up the water extraction. Start soaking up as much water as possible while also working to prevent the water from spreading further. Place absorbent materials like towels or blankets in front of doors to stop it from seeping into other rooms.

Open as many doors and windows as possible to allow air to flow through the home and help dry the affected areas. You can also head to your local home improvement store and pick up a few electric fans, which will help speed the drying process.

The Plumber Has Arrived, What Happens Next?

When your Nick’s Plumbing technician arrives on the scene, they must verify that the main water supply is entirely shut off. They’ll locate the shut-off valve and stop the water flow immediately if it hasn’t been done yet. From there, finding the exact source of the burst allows them to assess the extent of the damage to your pipe. Sometimes it’s a single clean break; in other cases, multiple points of failure may be hiding behind walls or under flooring.

After pinpointing the problem, the technician will determine the best repair method— replacing a small section of pipe or installing an entirely new water line. They’ll check for signs of corrosion, assess nearby fittings and joints for stress, and make sure the surrounding pipes aren’t at risk of failing next. Once they’ve got a game plan, they’ll make the necessary repairs and get your system sealed up and pressurized again, restoring your home’s water supply safely and efficiently.

The Aftermath Of A Burst Water Supply Pipe Emergency

Drying Out the Affected Area

 Drying out your home is critical in preventing mold and mildew. Start by opening doors and windows to increase ventilation. Set up fans to circulate air, and if your heating system is still functional and safe to use, turn up the heat to help evaporate moisture. You might consider renting commercial-grade drying equipment for larger floods to speed up the process. The sooner everything is dry, the less chance you’ll have of dealing with long-term issues. 

Checking for Structural and Electrical Damage

Water and electricity don’t get along well, so if there’s standing water near outlets or appliances, it’s best to turn off the power at the main circuit breaker. Once it’s safe, you must inspect walls, ceilings, and floors for signs of warping, sagging, or other structural concerns. Document significant damage thoroughly with photos and videos before any cleanup or repairs begin, especially if you plan to file an insurance claim.

When to Call a Plumber for Emergency Repair

Even if you’ve managed to slow the leak or control the water, a burst pipe isn’t something you want to leave unresolved. You need a licensed plumber who will repair the damaged pipe and inspect your system for other weak points that could fail in the future. Nick’s Plumbing’s emergency repair team is standing by to respond quickly and prepare your plumbing before any structural repairs begin.

Preventing Future Burst Pipes and Water Damage

The best way to deal with a burst pipe emergency is to prevent it from happening. Insulate any exposed pipes, especially in colder areas like attics, basements, or exterior walls. Keep an eye on your water pressure—if it’s too high, it can put extra stress on your pipes. Schedule regular plumbing maintenance to catch small issues before they become big problems, and always know where your main shut-off valve is located.

Nick’s Smart VIP Maintenance Plan Takes The Inconvenience Out Of Plumbing Maintenance

Staying ahead of the problem is half the battle when attempting to prevent disasters like burst pipes, and that’s exactly what Nick’s Smart VIP Maintenance Program is designed to do. This proactive service includes regular plumbing inspections to catch potential issues early, from aging pipes to loose fittings, before they have a chance to cause serious water damage.

The Smart VIP Plan also extends to your HVAC system. Seasonal tune-ups help your heating and cooling equipment perform better and last longer. And with Nick’s Smart VIP App, you can monitor your HVAC system’s status in real time from your phone. The app can even notify you if it detects performance issues or water leaks, giving you a head start on addressing the problem before it becomes an emergency.

If you’re looking for a simple way to take the guesswork out of plumbing and HVAC maintenance, Nick’s Smart VIP Program makes it easy. One plan. Year-round protection. And peace of mind you can count on.

Conclusion – Fast Reaction To Fix a Burst Pipe Minimizes Water Damage

A burst pipe is never convenient, but swift action can make all the difference in how bad the outcome is. The sooner you shut off the main water supply, move valuables out of harm’s way, and start drying things out, the better your chances of avoiding severe permanent damage. Once the plumbing aspect of the problem has been addressed, you can finally begin to put things back in order.

That said, prevention is always the better option. Staying on top of regular maintenance for your plumbing system reduces the chances of emergencies like these.

Nick’s Plumbing is proud to offer expert repair services, routine maintenance, and our Smart VIP Program to help Houston homeowners avoid problems before they start. If you’re looking for a trusted team that shows up when it counts, Nick’s is the name to remember.

Call Nick’s Today. We’re on the Way! 

The post How to Minimize Water Damage from a Burst Pipe Before The Plumber Arrives appeared first on Nicks Plumbing & Air Conditioning.