When August turns to September in New Jersey, most people are thinking about back-to-school shopping, cooler nights at the Jersey Shore, and getting ready for football season. But for homeowners, this late-summer stretch is also one of the busiest times for plumbing problems. From Paramus to Point Pleasant, many families notice new leaks, clogged drains, and water pressure issues right as the seasons change.

At Mastropiero Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how New Jersey’s mix of older homes, clay soil, and seasonal water usage puts added stress on plumbing systems this time of year. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes — and what you can do about it.

Outdoor Plumbing Stressors After Summer

New Jersey summers are full of water-heavy activities — sprinklers on the lawn in Montclair, filling pools in Freehold, or rinsing sand off the kids’ feet after a day at Sandy Hook. All of this extra outdoor usage strains spigots, hose bibs, and underground lines. By late August, washers inside outdoor faucets are worn down and tiny leaks often go unnoticed until you see a higher water bill.

Pro Tip: Walk around your home with the water running. If you notice puddles near your foundation or a constant drip at the spigot, get it repaired before cooler weather arrives and those leaks worsen.

Indoor Systems Feel the Impact Too

It’s not just the yard — indoor systems see more traffic in summer as well. Families in towns like Hoboken or Jersey City often host visiting relatives, which means extra showers, toilet flushes, and dishwashing. All that extra use can expose weak spots in drain lines or cause sewer backups in older city plumbing.

Clogs also tend to show up at the end of summer because small amounts of grease, soap scum, and debris have been building up for months. By September, the flow slows down, and suddenly your sink or tub won’t drain the way it should.

NJ-Specific Risks: Older Homes and Shifting Soil

Unlike some newer states, New Jersey has a long history — and with that comes older housing stock. Whether it’s a colonial-era home in Morristown or a 1950s Cape Cod in Clifton, older pipes are more vulnerable to end-of-summer stress. Galvanized steel pipes corrode, and cast-iron sewer lines often crack or settle unevenly in the clay soils found across the state.

Add in New Jersey’s notorious freeze-thaw cycles and you’ve got a recipe for leaks and bursts once fall turns into winter. Addressing problems in late summer is a smart way to avoid major headaches by January.

What Homeowners Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to wait for disaster to strike — a few quick steps can save you time, money, and stress:

1. Check water pressure — If it feels weaker than usual, it could be a sign of leaks underground.
2. Inspect outdoor spigots — Look for drips or water pooling.
3. Flush slow drains — If water lingers, schedule a drain cleaning before it escalates.
4. Look at your water bill — A sudden increase often means there’s a hidden leak.

Local Expertise You Can Count On

New Jersey homeowners deserve a plumbing team that understands the quirks of the Garden State. Mastropiero Plumbing knows the difference between dealing with a leaky outdoor faucet in suburban Bridgewater and a main sewer backup in the older brownstones of Newark. Our licensed plumbers live and work here — so we know what to look for, and we show up fast when you need us.

Call Mastropiero Before Small Problems Become Big Repairs

The end of summer is the perfect time for a plumbing checkup. Don’t wait until the first frost to deal with leaks or clogged drains. Call Mastropiero Plumbing today and let our team keep your New Jersey home running smoothly year-round.

📞 (732) 566-4091