Get Your Plumbing Ready for Anaheim’s Summer Heat

In Southern California, summer isn’t just about sun and sand — it’s also when your home’s plumbing starts taking a beating. If you're in Anaheim, where heat waves are a regular part of the forecast and drought warnings show up like clockwork, this is the time to get ahead of any plumbing trouble.

Why Anaheim Plumbing Struggles in the Heat

If you’ve been living here a while, you already know how brutal the dry heat can get. A neighbor of ours learned the hard way last summer when several parts of her house suddenly lost water pressure. She gave us a call at Kramer’s Plumbing, and when we got there, we found a pipe in her garage had split open from heat expansion. One of those things no one thinks about… until it happens.

Here’s the thing: once the temps rise, your plumbing starts to work overtime — especially if the pipes are exposed to direct sun, buried in shifting soil, or just showing their age. Heat causes pipes to expand and contract, and that movement adds pressure to the joints and seals. Over time, that stress can cause leaks, and sometimes, you won’t even know it until there’s visible damage.

And let’s not forget what summer looks like here: more lawn watering, extra showers, kids home from school, pools getting filled. That’s a ton of extra demand on your plumbing system — and it adds up fast.

Most Common Summer Plumbing Problems We See in Anaheim

We thought it would help to take a closer look at what we see most often during summer service calls at Kramer’s Plumbing.

Pipe Expansion and Heat Stress

Just like a soda can left out in the sun, your pipes (whether metal or plastic) can swell in the heat. If you’ve got older plumbing or exposed piping in your attic, garage, or crawlspace, these are high-risk zones for stress cracks and eventual failure.

Slab Leaks

Anaheim’s dry conditions and shifting soil can be a perfect storm for slab leaks. As the ground moves or dries out, foundations shift and so do the pipes underneath. The result? Cracks, leaks, and in some cases, real structural damage. If you notice warm spots on your floor or a sudden spike in your water bill, that’s your cue to call in backup.

Water Pressure Drops

If your shower is sputtering out or your outdoor hose has less force than usual, you’re not alone. During summer, water use goes way up — pools, irrigation, and general household demand can lead to noticeable pressure drops around the neighborhood.

Garbage Disposal Overload

Summer meals mean heavier kitchen use. It’s the season of BBQs, guests, and way more scraps than usual. A word of advice from experience: don’t toss a full batch of watermelon rinds into the disposal after a party. I did that once. Never again.

Overworked Water Heaters

Yes, even in the heat, your water heater is still pulling its weight — for laundry, dishes, and those cool-but-not-cold showers. The problem is, Anaheim’s hard water leads to sediment buildup in the tank. That sediment heats up, causes rumbling sounds, and cuts efficiency. Over time, it’ll wear out your system faster.

How to Get Your Plumbing Ready for the Heat

Inspect and Insulate Pipes

Take a look around for any exposed or uninsulated pipes — especially in your attic, crawlspace, or garage. Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install, and it helps prevent the kind of expansion that leads to leaks. Not a DIY type? No problem. At Kramer’s, our summer tune-ups include full pipe checks and insulation if needed.

Check Your Irrigation System

Summer in Anaheim pretty much equals sprinklers, but you don’t want them draining your wallet. Make sure all your sprinkler heads are working, and none are leaking or spraying where they shouldn’t. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, especially during a drought.

Smart irrigation timers are a good investment — especially if you’ve ever forgotten to turn off the sprinkler and ended up with a mini-lake in your front yard.

Flush the Water Heater

Minerals from Anaheim’s water supply settle at the bottom of your tank. When the heater kicks on, that sediment heats up, which makes your system work harder and can eventually cause damage. A seasonal flush keeps it running smooth. Don’t want to mess with it? We’ll take care of it.

Clean the Drains and Garbage Disposal

Before you start hosting summer dinners and parties, give your kitchen drains some attention. Use a baking soda and vinegar mix to clear buildup, and don’t let fibrous or starchy foods go down the disposal — that means no corn husks, peels, or rinds. And here’s a pro tip: always run cold water when using the disposal. It helps solidify any grease and keeps things moving.

🏠 Watch for Slab Leak Warning Signs

Slab leaks are sneaky — they don’t always come with a splash. What you might notice instead:

• Warm or cold spots underfoot

• Damp or musty smells

• A higher-than-usual water bill

  
  

If anything feels off, trust your gut and get it checked. Slab leaks can cause major structural damage if ignored.

Check Your Pressure Regulator

Water pressure tends to rise and fall across Anaheim depending on demand. If you’ve noticed weak water flow or uneven pressure, it could be time to inspect or adjust your pressure regulator. We’ve replaced a lot of these over the years — and it’s always better to catch it before it causes damage.

Six Water-Saving Plumbing Habits That Work

Anaheim has had its share of dry summers, and the best defense is smart water habits that also protect your plumbing system. Here are six that make a big difference:

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

These days, low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads don’t just save water — they’re easier on your pipes and can improve long-term efficiency.

Fix Leaks Early

Even a slow drip from an outdoor spigot can waste gallons every day. Most small leaks are caused by worn-out washers or seals — easy fixes if you catch them in time.

Use Timers for Outdoor Watering

A timer takes the guesswork out of lawn care and helps you stay in line with city watering rules. Whether it’s a basic dial or a smart controller, it’s one of the simplest ways to save.

Why It Pays to Call Local

Anaheim homes face a unique set of challenges: clay-heavy soil, aging plumbing, high temps, and summer water surges. When you work with a local crew like Kramer’s Plumbing, you get people who understand how all that fits together — and how to prevent problems before they start.

We’ve helped homeowners across Anaheim prep their plumbing for the summer months, from slab leak prevention to full system tune-ups. And we’re always just a call away when something needs fixing fast.

Prep for Summer — and Avoid the Headaches

As you're getting your home summer-ready — checking the AC, planning weekend cookouts, and stocking up on sunscreen — don’t leave your plumbing off the list. A few simple checks now can save you from expensive repairs and mid-July stress later.

If you’ve got a question, a concern, or just want peace of mind that everything's working the way it should, reach out to Kramer’s Plumbing. We’ll get your system summer-ready — so you can enjoy the sunshine without the stress.

👉 Book Your Summer Plumbing Check-Up Today!