Fredericksburg summers bring more than just heat—they bring crowds. Restaurants, wineries, bed-and-breakfasts, and retail shops all face higher demand, and working plumbing becomes non-negotiable. When lines clog, pipes crack, or systems fail, operations grind to a halt. Customers leave, revenue disappears, and the stress piles up fast. At 72 Degrees Texas, we’ve been called in dozens of times to fix plumbing problems that popped up out of nowhere—or so it seemed. Knowing what tends to go wrong in the summer can help businesses stay ahead of those costly surprises.
Increased Demand on Plumbing Systems in Summer
Summer brings a wave of visitors to the Texas Hill Country, and with them comes a sharp increase in water use. Restaurants fill up, tasting rooms stay busy, and hotels are booked solid. That means toilets flush more often, sinks run constantly, and kitchens operate at full speed.
Heat makes matters worse. Pipes expand, seals break down faster, and even small leaks can quickly turn into major repairs. Many business owners don’t realize their plumbing system is under stress until water starts backing up or a pipe bursts.
- More people = more water use: Greater use puts serious pressure on fixtures, drains, and pipes.
- Irrigation and cooling systems: These can take up significant water supply and throw off pressure balance.
- Heat-related wear and tear: High temperatures speed up the breakdown of plumbing materials, raising the risk of leaks or bursts.
When plumbing setups aren’t designed or maintained to handle peak traffic, shutdowns become more likely.
Common Plumbing Issues That Affect Businesses
1. Clogged Drains and Toilets
Few problems derail a business faster than a backed-up toilet or drain. With more people using restrooms and kitchen sinks, blockages are more frequent—especially when customers or staff flush items that shouldn’t go down the pipes.
- Why blockages happen: Increased foot traffic and poor disposal habits lead to more paper towels, wipes, and debris where they don’t belong.
- What to look for: Slow-draining water, bubbling sounds, bad smells, or clogs that keep coming back.
- Why it matters: One clogged toilet in a restaurant can lead to a poor review—or worse, a shutdown for sanitation concerns.
- How we fix it: We use heavy-duty methods like hydro jetting to clear blockages quickly and safely, keeping your business moving without delay.
2. Slow Draining Sinks and Tubs
While a slow drain might seem like a minor nuisance, it can quickly turn into a big problem—especially in commercial kitchens, salons, or any place where cleanliness and speed matter.
- What causes slow drainage: Grease, soap scum, and hair all build up over time and shrink the passageway for water to flow.
- How it affects business: When water backs up, dishes pile up, handwashing takes longer, and routine cleaning becomes harder to manage.
- What to do about it: Scheduling regular cleaning and maintenance with a pro can catch build-up early. Our team clears drains fast and helps prevent future issues.
3. Sewer Line Backups
Nothing clears out a building faster than a sewer backup. Unfortunately, Fredericksburg’s older tree-lined streets and sudden rainstorms create ideal conditions for this plumbing nightmare.
- Why backups happen: Tree roots grow toward moisture and can break into underground lines. Heavy rains force debris into already stressed pipes.
- The fallout: Exposure to raw sewage can lead to immediate health violations, building damage, and a serious hit to your reputation.
- Catch it early: A camera inspection before peak season gives you time to fix problems before they escalate. If repairs are needed, our trenchless options keep disruptions minimal.
4. Malfunctioning Water Heaters
Hot water isn’t just nice to have—it’s required. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or providing guest services, a water heater failure can bring business to a standstill.
- What typically fails: Leaks, sediment buildup, and thermostat issues are common. If water temperature fluctuates or disappears, something’s off.
- Why it matters: Restaurants, salons, and hotels can’t function without steady hot water. Even small leaks can cause damage and drive up utility bills.
- Stay ahead of problems: Regular flushing, inspections, and simple part replacements go a long way. We also install and maintain tankless systems that work efficiently and reliably.
5. Burst Pipes Due to Increased Pressure
As demand rises, so does pressure in your plumbing. If the system hasn’t been updated in years or uses older materials, it may not handle the stress.
- What leads to bursts: High demand, outdated pipes, and quick temperature changes all make pipes more likely to fail.
- What happens next: Water floods work areas, damages products, and forces businesses to close until repairs are done.
- How we help: We offer full inspections to identify trouble spots. If needed, we replace old pipes with materials designed to handle the load, keeping your building safe and operational.
The Importance of Regular Plumbing Inspections
Most plumbing problems don’t come out of nowhere. Warning signs often show up long before a major failure—but they’re easy to miss when you’re busy running a business.
- What we check for: Leaks, pressure changes, slow drainage, corrosion, and failing parts.
- Why it’s worth it: Fixing small issues early costs less and helps avoid shutdowns during your busiest months.
- Tailored to your setup: We create inspection plans based on the type of business you run and how much water your system handles day-to-day.
Professional Solutions to Keep Your Business Running Smoothly
When plumbing trouble strikes, fast action makes all the difference. Trying to handle a major issue with DIY fixes often wastes time and makes things worse.
- Why call us: Our licensed plumbers respond quickly, spot problems accurately, and fix them right the first time.
- Better tools, better results: We use sewer cameras, hydro jetters, and other advanced equipment that go far beyond basic tools.
- We meet the standards: Repairs are done to meet health and safety codes, helping you avoid fines or forced closures.
Working with experienced professionals means fewer emergencies—and more time to focus on your customers.
Keep Your Fredericksburg Business Open This Summer with 72 Degrees Texas
Plumbing problems don’t wait, and neither do we. At 72 Degrees Texas, we offer 24/7 emergency services so businesses can keep serving their customers without missing a beat.
- Always on call: Our trucks are stocked and our team is ready to respond—day or night.
- Decades of experience: Since 1986, we’ve helped local business owners solve plumbing issues quickly and with confidence.
- We keep you moving: Whether you need urgent repairs or a full system inspection, our job is to keep your doors open and your operations smooth.
Call (830) 468-5316 to schedule an inspection or emergency repair. Let 72 Degrees Texas handle the plumbing—so you can focus on running your business.