Seasonal Plumbing Tips for Lubbock Homeowners: Winterizing & Summer Prep

Lubbock homeowners know that West Texas weather can be unpredictable. One week you’re wearing a jacket, and the next you’re turning on the AC. These sudden temperature changes can take a toll on your plumbing system—leading to frozen pipes, leaks, clogged drains, and high water usage if you’re not prepared.

That’s why seasonal plumbing maintenance is essential. Whether you're gearing up for freezing winter nights or preparing for long, hot summers, these seasonal plumbing tips will help protect your home and prevent costly repairs.

As your trusted local experts, Cotton City Plumbing is here to guide you through the best ways to keep your plumbing in top shape all year long.

Winterizing Tips for Lubbock Homeowners

Freezing temperatures can strike quickly in Lubbock, especially during cold fronts and winter storms. Winterizing your plumbing is one of the best ways to avoid burst pipes or water damage.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas—garages, attics, crawl spaces, and outdoor walls—are most vulnerable to freezing.
Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to prevent ice buildup and avoid bursts.

2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses attached can cause water to freeze inside outdoor faucets, which often leads to interior pipe damage.
Always:
✔ Disconnect hoses
✔ Drain them
✔ Store them inside during winter

3. Protect Outdoor Faucets

After removing hoses, cover outdoor faucets with faucet insulation covers. These small foam caps can prevent wintertime cracking and leaks.

4. Keep Indoor Faucets Dripping on Cold Nights

During extreme cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly.
This keeps water flowing and reduces pressure inside pipes—significantly lowering the chance of freezing.

5. Open Cabinet Doors

If indoor pipes are against exterior walls, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around plumbing under sinks.

6. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works overtime during winter.
Have it inspected for:

• Sediment buildup

• Rust

• Efficiency issues

• Leaks

A well-maintained water heater keeps your home warm and safe all winter long.

7. Seal Drafts Around Pipes

Cold air entering through cracks can freeze pipes quickly. Seal gaps around plumbing lines using caulk or foam.

Summer Plumbing Prep for Lubbock Homes

Lubbock summers bring high temperatures, increased water usage, and heavy irrigation demands. Preparing your plumbing system for hot months helps avoid mid-summer breakdowns.

1. Check Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems

Summer is tough on outdoor watering systems.
Look for:

• Broken sprinkler heads

• Leaking lines

• Uneven watering

• High water bills

Repairing irrigation issues early saves water and prevents underground leaks.

2. Inspect Your Sewer Line

During summer rains, tree roots seek moisture and can infiltrate sewer lines—especially in older neighborhoods.
Signs of sewer issues include:

• Gurgling drains

• Slow toilets

• Sewage smells

Scheduling a sewer line inspection before summer storms is a smart idea.

3. Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Drains

Summer gatherings, cookouts, and house guests mean more strain on drains.
Prevent backups by cleaning drains before peak usage hits.

4. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)

Lubbock occasionally experiences heavy storms. Make sure your sump pump is clean, functional, and ready for sudden rainwater.

5. Check Your Water Pressure

High summer water usage across the city can affect pressure.
If your pressure is too high or too low, it may indicate:

• Pressure regulator issues

• Hidden leaks

• mineral buildup

Cotton City Plumbing can test and correct it quickly.

6. Flush Your Water Heater

Hard water in Lubbock causes mineral buildup, which reduces water heater efficiency.
Flushing your water heater in early summer can help keep your energy bills down.

7. Inspect Washing Machine Hoses

Summer means more laundry—especially if kids are home.
Check hoses for bulges, cracks, or leaks to prevent mid-cycle flooding.

Year-Round Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Healthy

While prepping for winter and summer is important, a few year-round habits help extend the life of your plumbing:

• Avoid pouring grease down drains

• Use drain screens

• Fix leaks early

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections

• Know where your main water shutoff valve is

Trust Cotton City Plumbing for Year-Round Plumbing Protection

No matter the season, Cotton City Plumbing is dedicated to keeping Lubbock homes safe, efficient, and clog-free. From winterizing pipes to summer plumbing inspections, our team offers fast, reliable service backed by local expertise.

📞 Ready to prepare your home for the season?

Contact Cotton City Plumbing today for professional seasonal plumbing maintenance and peace of mind all year long.