Summer in Los Angeles brings sunshine, heat waves, and, unfortunately, a few plumbing problems that love to show up this time of year. Whether you’re a homeowner in the Valley or managing a rental in Mid-City, it’s worth keeping an eye on some of the most common seasonal issues before they turn into costly repairs.
One of the biggest culprits in summer is tree root intrusion. LA’s older neighborhoods—especially homes built before the 1980s—often have clay or cast iron sewer lines, and thirsty roots have a way of creeping into small cracks. You might not notice it right away, but slow drains, gurgling toilets, or sewage smells are warning signs that roots could be strangling your main line.
Another issue that pops up this time of year? Kitchen backups. With backyard BBQs, graduation parties, and more folks staying home during vacation time, garbage disposals and kitchen drains are getting a workout. Grease, food scraps, and even lemon peels (yep, we’ve seen it all) can build up fast and cause a full blockage if you’re not careful.
And let’s not forget sprinkler systems. If you’ve fired up your irrigation after a quiet spring, take a moment to check for broken heads, leaks near the shutoff valve, or standing water in the yard. We’ve had more than a few calls where what looked like a sprinkler issue turned out to be a slab leak in disguise.
Lastly, the heat itself can cause problems—especially for aging water heaters. If yours is over 8–10 years old and you’re seeing rust-colored water or hearing rumbling noises, it might be time to schedule an inspection. Summer is no time to be left without hot water.
If you notice slow drains, strange smells, or any plumbing red flags, don’t wait—give Sewer Detective a call and let us take a look before it turns into a bigger issue.
At Sewer Detective, we specialize in working with older homes across Los Angeles. We understand how age, tree coverage, and outdated plumbing systems can team up to create a perfect storm of problems. If something doesn’t feel right—or you just want peace of mind—give us a call. A simple inspection now can save you from an expensive emergency later.
Stay cool, stay ahead of the issues, and enjoy your summer.
#PlumbingTips #DrainCleaning #SewerLineRepair #WaterHeaterIssues #CloggedDrain #LeakDetection
