How to Choose the Right Water Heater Size for Your Home

Summer in Snohomish County brings long days, backyard barbecues — and a surprising spike in plumbing problems. From increased water usage to ground shifting in the heat, your home's plumbing system faces real stress this time of year. As Marysville's most trusted plumbing service with over 25 years of experience, Resolution Plumbing has seen it all. Here are the five most common summer plumbing issues local homeowners face right now, and what you should do about each one. 1. Slow or Clogged Drains from Increased Household Activity Why it happens in summer: More people home means more showers, more cooking, and more laundry. Grease, soap scum, and hair build up faster than usual — and a slow drain can quickly become a full blockage. What to watch for: Water pooling in the shower or around the sink Gurgling sounds after draining Unpleasant odors coming from drains What to do: Avoid many store-bought chemical drain cleaners — they can corrode older pipes over time. A licensed plumber can clear the blockage safely and inspect for any underlying pipe damage at the same time. Quick tip: Run hot water down kitchen drains after cooking to help flush grease before it solidifies. 2. Outdoor Hose Bib and Irrigation Leaks Why it happens in summer: Hose bibs and outdoor spigots see more use in summer and worn washers or loose connections can develop slow leaks that waste hundreds of gallons per month without being obvious. What to watch for: Wet spots or muddy patches near the foundation A higher-than-usual water bill Dripping from the spigot even when the handle is fully off What to do: This is often is a faucet fixture replacement — a washer replacement or connection tightening can fix problem for a short time but you will often have more problems in the near future. Resolution Plumbing handles all general plumbing repairs and can diagnose outdoor leaks the same day. 3. Water Heater Strain and Inconsistent Hot Water Why it happens in summer: Age is often the reason a water heater fails. Water heaters on average last 10-12 years. What to watch for: Lukewarm water that runs out quickly Rumbling or popping sounds from the tank Rust-colored water from hot taps Visible corrosion or pooling water around the unit What to do: If your water heater is showing any of these signs, don't wait for a full failure — those always seem to happen at the worst time. Resolution Plumbing specializes in water heater installation and repair in Marysville, WA, and can help you choose the right unit for your household's needs. 4. Sewer Line Issues Triggered by Tree Root Growth Why it happens in summer: Tree roots grow aggressively toward moisture in warm months, and sewer lines are prime targets. Roots can crack, infiltrate, or fully block a sewer line — leading to backups that affect every drain in the house. What to watch for: Multiple slow drains throughout the home simultaneously Sewage odors inside or in the yard Wet or unusually lush patches of grass over your sewer line Toilets gurgling when you run other fixtures What to do: Sewer issues are not a DIY project. Resolution Plumbing offers professional sewer repair and full sewer line replacement in Marysville and surrounding Snohomish County. Catching root intrusion early can save thousands compared to emergency replacement. 5. Pipe Stress from Ground Movement and Heat Why it happens in summer: Seasonal soil expansion and contraction can stress older pipes, particularly in homes with galvanized steel or poly plumbing. This can cause pinhole leaks that go undetected for weeks. What to watch for: Unexplained drops in water pressure Water stains on walls, ceilings, or under sinks A water meter that keeps moving even when all fixtures are off What to do: If you suspect a hidden leak, call a plumber immediately — water damage compounds quickly. For homes with aging pipe systems, repiping is often the most cost-effective long-term solution. Resolution Plumbing provides full repiping services throughout Marysville and Everett, WA. Why Marysville Homeowners Choose Resolution Plumbing Resolution Plumbing is a family-owned business that has served Marysville and greater Snohomish County for over 25 years. Owner Sam is personally on every job site — you're not getting a random subcontractor, you're getting the owner. The company offers: Free estimates on all large jobs. Same-day and flexible scheduling Monday through Saturday, 7am–7pm Full-service plumbing including repairs, fixture installation, repiping, sewer work, and water heater installation No price gouging — honest, upfront pricing every time 

Discover seasonal plumbing issues homeowners face. Resolution Plumbing, a local plumbing business in Marysville, WA, shares expert insights. Click now!