To get your plumbing ready for summer in Florence, SC, check five things before the heat peaks. Look at your outdoor spigots, irrigation, water heater, drains and storm plan. This checklist from Quality Service Company, LLC is for Pee Dee homes.
These checks can catch a small leak before it becomes a big bill or a wet floor.
Why is summer hard on plumbing in Florence?
Summer here is long and hot. In a normal year, Florence sees about 70 days at 90 degrees or higher, per NOAA. Most fall in June, July and August. In 2026, the Florence airport hit 100 degrees on July 5 and again on July 8.
Heat brings more water use. Lawns get watered, guests visit, and showers and laundry run more often. That adds wear on pipes, valves and the water heater. Summer storms can also overload drains and sewer lines.
How do I check outdoor spigots and hoses?
A spigot that froze in winter may not leak until you use it. In the winter of 2025–26, Florence had seven nights at 20 degrees or lower, including 8 degrees on February 2.
- Turn each spigot on and off. Watch for drips at the handle or spout.
- Look inside where the pipe comes through the wall. Check for damp drywall or stains.
- Replace cracked hose washers. A worn one leaks at every connection.
- Swap out hoses that bulge, split or feel soft.
- Turn the spigot off after use, not just the nozzle.
What should I check on my irrigation system?
An irrigation leak is easy to miss. Run each zone and walk the yard while it runs. Look for:
- Broken or tilted sprinkler heads
- Soggy spots that never dry out
- Water spraying onto the driveway, street or house
- A valve box full of standing water
A backflow preventer keeps lawn water from flowing back into the pipes you drink from. If yours drips or sprays, have it looked at. Here’s how backflow testing and prevention works.
Does my water heater need care in summer?
It runs all year, so summer is a good time to look it over.
- Check the floor around the base for water or rust.
- Make sure the pipe from the relief valve is dry.
- Listen for popping or rumbling. That often means sediment has built up.
- Watch for rusty or smelly hot water.
- If it sits in a garage or attic, keep the space around it clear.
Draining a few gallons from the bottom valve can clear some sediment. The water is very hot, so go slowly or have a plumber do it. If the tank is leaking, call before it fails.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
A higher summer bill is often just the lawn. If the bill jumps and your habits haven’t changed, try this meter check:
- Turn off every faucet, appliance and the sprinklers.
- Write down the reading on your water meter.
- Wait a while without using any water.
- Check again. If the number moved, water is going somewhere.
Other signs include a toilet that runs on its own, water sounds when nothing is on, a damp wall, or a warm spot on the floor.
Home age matters too. In the city of Florence, 46.7 percent of homes were built before 1980, per Census data. Older plumbing is worth a closer look. Read about leak detection and repair.
How do summer storms affect drains and sewer lines?
Florence County logged 47 flood events from 1950 to 2020, per the SC State Climatology Office. In a low home, heavy rain can push water back up a floor drain. SC Emergency Management lists sewer check valves for flood-prone homes.
Storms can hit city water too. During Debby in August 2024, the City of Florence shut its water plant because of river flooding. Low pressure and a boil advisory followed.
Before storm season:
- Know where your main water shutoff is and how to turn it.
- Keep drinking water on hand.
- Keep cookout grease out of sink drains.
- In flood-prone spots, SC Emergency Management suggests raising the water heater.
- After a flood, have a plumber check any water heater or drain that sat in water before you use it.
Slow drains or gurgling toilets can point to a sewer line problem. Learn about sewer line inspection and repair.
When should I call a plumber?
- Water on the floor near the water heater
- A drain that stays slow after you clear it
- Gurgling or sewage smell in more than one drain
- A meter that moves when nothing is on
- Low pressure across the whole house
We have 24/7 dispatch for plumbing. Call (843) 920-2004 or book online.
Common questions
Why is my water bill higher in summer?
Summer bills usually rise because of lawn watering and more showers and laundry. That’s normal. If your bill climbs and your habits haven’t changed, turn everything off and watch the water meter. If it still moves, you may have a hidden leak in a pipe, toilet or irrigation line.
How often should I drain my water heater?
Follow the schedule in your water heater’s owner’s manual, since it varies by model and water. Popping or rumbling sounds often mean sediment is building up, and it’s time. The water comes out very hot. If you’re not comfortable doing it, a plumber can drain the tank and check the relief valve.
Should I turn off my water before a vacation?
Turning off the main water valve is the simplest way to limit leak damage while you’re away. Put the water heater on its vacation or lowest setting too. Check under sinks before you leave. If your sprinklers run off the same supply, they won’t water while it’s off, so plan for the lawn.
Can heavy rain back up my drains?
Heavy rain can push water back up through low drains, especially in homes on low ground. SC Emergency Management lists sewer check valves for flood-prone homes. If a floor drain or tub gurgles during storms, or water has come up before, have a plumber check the line and talk through options.