How to Protect Your Plumbing During a Drought

Drought is nothing new in Southern Nevada, but dry conditions can affect more than Lake Mead and your landscaping.

But, how does a drought affect plumbing at home? Prolonged heat and dry soil can contribute to shifting pipes, leaks, drainage problems, and additional strain on an already hard-working plumbing system. For Las Vegas homeowners, understanding these risks can help prevent an inconvenient plumbing problem from becoming costly water damage.

• Drought can dry and shift soil around your home, potentially putting stress on underground plumbing.
• Extreme Las Vegas heat can affect exposed pipes and outdoor plumbing components.
• Hard water and mineral accumulation can create additional plumbing challenges during periods of heavy use.
• Regular inspections can help identify leaks and damage before problems become more serious.

While homeowners in Las Vegas and surrounding areas are typically accustomed to living in a desert climate, long periods without significant rainfall can negatively impact a home's plumbing.

Drought can affect the soil surrounding your foundation and underground plumbing lines. At the same time, extreme heat can place additional stress on exterior plumbing pipes, sprinkler systems, hose bibs, and other components.

Inside the home, increased summer water use can add plumbing system strain as water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, showers, and other fixtures continue operating day after day.

Understanding where problems can develop makes it easier to take preventive measures.

One of the less obvious ways drought can affect plumbing begins in the soil. During extended dry periods, soil loses moisture and may contract or shift. That soil movement can change the support around your home's foundation and the pipes beneath it.

If enough movement occurs, underground plumbing lines may shift out of position. Possible consequences include:

• Cracks or leaks
• Misaligned plumbing
• Damaged connections
• Reduced water pressure
• Drainage problems
• Pipe bursts

Foundation movement can also put stress on plumbing lines running through or underneath a home. A small leak beneath the foundation may go unnoticed until homeowners see higher water bills, damp flooring, warm spots, or other signs of a problem.

Not every drought will cause foundation issues or broken pipes. However, if you notice sudden plumbing changes during an extended dry period, a professional inspection can help determine whether soil shifting has contributed to the problem.

Drought in Las Vegas usually arrives alongside another challenge: extreme heat.

Materials naturally expand and contract as temperatures change. Repeated temperature fluctuations can put stress on exposed pipes, joints, and connections.

Copper and PVC plumbing react differently to heat, but neither is completely immune to environmental wear. Expanding pipes may place pressure on connections or weak areas, eventually contributing to cracks and leaks.

Exterior plumbing pipes also face direct sunlight. Over time, UV damage can weaken certain materials, particularly improperly protected plastic components.

Homeowners should pay special attention to:

• Exposed pipes
• Hose bibs
• Irrigation lines
• Sprinkler systems
• Outdoor plumbing fixtures

Insulating exposed pipes with appropriate pipe wrap can provide additional protection. Keeping outdoor plumbing maintained and repairing small leaks promptly are also worthwhile preventive measures.

Drought isn't responsible for Las Vegas's hard water, but the area's water quality creates another challenge for local plumbing systems.

A combination of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, can cause hard water to develop. Over time, these minerals can form scale buildup inside pipes, faucets, appliances, and water heaters.

Mineral accumulation can contribute to:

• Restricted water flow
• Reduced water pressure
• Clogged pipes
• Scale on fixtures
• Reduced appliance efficiency
• Water heater problems

If pipes are already narrowed by years of scale buildup, additional movement, heavy water use, or another plumbing problem may become more noticeable.

Watch for white or chalky deposits around fixtures, changes in water pressure, or appliances that seem to be losing efficiency.

A water softener may help reduce certain hard-water problems by treating minerals before they circulate throughout the home. A plumber can test for water hardness and help determine whether treatment makes sense for your household.

Las Vegas homes often use more water during periods of extreme heat. More showers, additional laundry, increased dishwasher use, pools, and outdoor irrigation can all increase demand. That doesn't automatically damage your plumbing, but existing weaknesses may become easier to notice under heavier use.

For example, a partially clogged drain may back up when more water moves through it. An aging water heater may struggle with increased demand. A small leak may worsen as water pressure and usage fluctuate.

Pay attention to changes such as:

• Suddenly reduced water pressure
• Slow drains
• Recurring clogged pipes
• Unexplained increases in water use
• Changes in water heater performance
• Visible cracks or leaks

Early attention can help prevent a relatively simple repair from becoming a larger plumbing problem.

It may sound contradictory, but intense rainfall often follows long drought conditions. Las Vegas's monsoon season can bring sudden storms and flash flooding. Extremely dry ground may struggle to absorb heavy rainfall quickly enough. This can send large amounts of water toward streets, properties, and drainage systems.

Depending on your property's plumbing and drainage system, sudden water surges may contribute to:

• Sewage backups
• Outdoor drainage problems
• Flooding
• Water damage
• Contaminated standing water

Keep exterior drains clear and inspect outdoor plumbing fixtures before monsoon season. Homes with applicable equipment should also make sure sump pumps and backflow prevention devices are operating properly.

If you experience a sewage backup, avoid contact with contaminated water and call a plumbing professional.

You can't control the weather in Las Vegas, but you can reduce the likelihood of drought-related plumbing surprises.

Some preventive measures include:

• Check exposed pipes for cracks, discoloration, or leaks
• Monitor your water bill for unexplained increases
• Pay attention to sudden water pressure changes
• Repair dripping faucets and running toilets
• Watch for possible signs of foundation movement
• Address recurring hard-water scale buildup
• Schedule regular plumbing inspections

Know where your home's main water shutoff is located, too. If a pipe bursts or a major water leak develops, shutting off the water quickly can substantially limit damage.

A small change in plumbing performance doesn't always mean drought has damaged your system. However, some warning signs deserve professional attention.

It's best to hire a licensed a plumber if you notice unexplained water leaks, significant pressure changes, recurring drain problems, water around your foundation, unusual sounds from pipes, or multiple fixtures developing problems at the same time.

A plumber can determine whether the cause is mineral buildup, damaged plumbing, soil movement, a sewer issue, or something unrelated to drought conditions.

Las Vegas homes have to handle extreme heat, hard water, drought, and sudden monsoon storms—all of which can create unique challenges for plumbing.

Dr. Cool provides a variety of plumbing services throughout Las Vegas and surrounding communities. If you've noticed changes in water pressure, recurring clogs, unexplained leaks, or another plumbing concern, our team can find the cause and recommend the right solution.

Need plumbing services? Call Dr. Cool at (702) 608-6939 or schedule your plumbing service online today.