Scorching temps, high water usage, and heatwave-induced stress—no, we’re not just talking about your mood in July. Your home’s water system feels it too. Whether you rely on a water softener, reverse osmosis, or under-the-sink filtration, summer water system maintenance is essential to keeping things running smoothly when the temperatures spike.
In this post, we’ll walk through the key steps to protect your system from summer strain, prevent unexpected issues, and make sure you’re getting clean, consistent water all season long.
Why Summer Is Tough on Water Systems
Just like your HVAC system works overtime during the summer, your water system sees a seasonal surge in demand. Think more laundry, extra showers, backyard hoses, ice makers, dishwashing marathons—and that’s just a typical week in July.
All this added use can stress your system if it’s not properly maintained. Add in triple-digit heat, and it’s a recipe for slowdowns, salt issues, and even wear-and-tear on system components. The good news? A little summer water system maintenance goes a long way.
1. Keep an Eye on Salt Levels (and Refill as Needed)
If you have a water softener, checking your salt levels regularly during the summer is a must. Increased water usage means your system regenerates more often, burning through salt at a faster rate.
What to Do:
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Open your brine tank and check that the salt is at least half full.
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Break up any salt bridges or clumps.
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Use high-purity salt to avoid sediment buildup.
Low salt = hard water creeping back into your home. Stay ahead of it by topping off regularly.
2. Check for Leaks and Cracks
Extreme heat can cause rubber components and fittings to expand or dry out—especially in outdoor systems or garages without temperature control.
What to Do:
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Inspect your system’s tubing, connectors, and valves.
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Look for signs of water around the base of your softener or filter unit.
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Tighten any loose connections or call for service if you notice cracks or slow leaks.
A small summer leak can turn into a big problem fast. Routine checks help catch issues early.
3. Clear the Area Around Your System
Clutter and heat are not a good mix. Boxes, tools, and storage bins packed around your system can trap heat and restrict airflow, leading to overheating and reduced efficiency.
What to Do:
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Keep at least 1–2 feet of space clear around your softener or filtration unit.
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Sweep away dust, debris, or pet hair that could interfere with ventilation.
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If your system is in the garage, make sure it’s not baking in direct sunlight.
Simple housekeeping = better system performance in the summer months.
4. Replace Your Filters
Summer means more water usage—from drinking to cooking to endless glasses of iced everything. If you have a reverse osmosis or under-the-sink filtration system, your filters may clog faster than usual, reducing water pressure and effectiveness.
What to Do:
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Check when your filters were last replaced. Most need swapping every 6–12 months.
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If you’re noticing a change in taste or pressure, it’s probably time.
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Not sure which filters you need? Take our Find My Filter Quiz to get matched with the right ones in minutes.
Replacing your filters is one of the easiest and most impactful summer water system maintenance steps you can take.
5. Book a Mid-Year Service Check
Just like your car needs a checkup before a road trip, your water system could use a once-over before the summer’s peak. If it’s been over a year since your last service—or if you’re unsure when your system was last inspected—it’s time.
What to Do:
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Schedule a professional service visit with a Dupure technician.
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Our team will inspect your system, test functionality, and recommend any updates or replacements needed.
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You’ll gain peace of mind knowing your system is ready for high demand and high heat.
This is your chance to get ahead of potential issues—before they impact your water.
Bonus Tips: Water-Saving Habits That Help Your System
Practicing smart water use during a heatwave benefits both your system and your utility bill. Try these quick wins:
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Run full loads in your dishwasher and laundry machine.
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Fix leaky faucets or toilets.
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Turn off your sprinkler system during rainstorms or cooler parts of the day.
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Use a water-efficient showerhead to reduce pressure on your filtration and softening systems.
Your water softener and filters are designed to make your life easier—but they’ll thank you for not overworking them.
Stay Cool, Stay Soft: Final Thoughts
Your water system may not be sunbathing in the backyard, but it’s definitely working overtime in the heat. A little summer water system maintenance can prevent future problems, improve system performance, and keep your water quality high—no matter how high the temperatures go.
Whether it’s time to refill your salt, replace your filters, or schedule a quick tune-up, Dupure has you covered.
Not Sure What Filters You Need?
Take the guesswork out of replacements. Try our Find My Filter Quiz and get matched with the exact filters your system needs—fast.
What's In Your Water?
Find out how clean your water is (or isn’t) with our Free Water Assessment, and learn more about the Dupure water filtration, conditioning and softening systems that will help you make your house a safer, healthier home.
