Rental Property Plumbing & HVAC: The Most Common August Calls We Get
Shore rental properties work hard in the summer—frequent turnover, full occupancy, and non-stop water and AC use take a real toll. By August, the strain starts to show. Budd’s Plumbing & HVAC gets more service calls this month than any other time during the rental season.
From clogged drains to frozen HVAC units, here are the most common late-season problems we fix—and how we keep your home running smoothly through Labor Day and beyond.

What plumbing problems spike in August?
1. Clogged Drains and Showers
Sunscreen, hair, and sand build up fast—especially with weekly renters who may not report slow drains until it’s too late.
What Budd’s Does:
We respond quickly to clear blockages, snake lines if necessary, and ensure full flow before the next guest arrives.
2. Outdoor Shower Leaks or Poor Drainage
Outdoor showers in beach rentals are used constantly. By August, we see a rise in cracked fixtures, loose valves, and poor drainage around the base.
What Budd’s Does:
We repair leaks, replace corroded fixtures, and upgrade outdoor showers with coastal-durable materials for long-term use.

3. Constantly Running Toilets or Flush Failures
High-volume guest turnover can lead to worn-out flush valves, disconnected flappers, or low-pressure flushes.
What Budd’s Does:
We replace damaged components and inspect for high water pressure or internal tank problems, making sure each bathroom is guest-ready.

4. Garbage Disposal Burnouts
Vacationers often misuse disposals—overloading or jamming them with items like fruit rinds, seafood shells, and cooking grease.
What Budd’s Does:
We unclog or replace the disposal and provide guidance on heavy-duty options designed for rental use.
5. Water Heater Strain or Failure
Multiple back-to-back showers can push smaller tank systems past capacity—especially if sediment buildup is affecting performance.
What Budd’s Does:
We flush the water heater, test the heating elements, and evaluate if a higher-capacity or tankless system is a smarter option based on usage.
What HVAC issues do rental homes face in late summer?
1. Frozen AC Units
One of the most common HVAC calls we get in August involves frozen evaporator coils. This usually happens when guests set the thermostat too low and run the system non-stop with little airflow.
What Budd’s Does:
We thaw frozen systems, inspect for airflow or refrigerant issues, and educate owners on thermostat placement and usage limits. We also recommend zoning or smart thermostats to avoid repeat issues.
2. Dirty or Blocked Air Filters
Guests rarely think to change filters. In high-use rentals, clogged filters quickly reduce airflow and put strain on your entire system.
What Budd’s Does:
We replace filters with the correct size and recommend filter changes every 30 days in rental properties—or more often if sand and dust levels are high.

3. Uneven Cooling or Weak Airflow
Top floors are hotter, lower floors are overcooled—sound familiar? Unbalanced cooling is a major complaint in multi-story homes by mid-August.
What Budd’s Does:
We inspect ductwork, adjust dampers, and recommend zoning or ductless systems to target temperature control more efficiently.
4. Duct Contamination
Dust, mold, and debris can settle in ducts over time—especially with the constant in-and-out of renters. This reduces air quality and system performance.
What Budd’s Does:
We offer professional duct cleaning to remove buildup, improve air quality, and help your system operate at full efficiency heading into fall.
Prevent Late-Season Breakdowns
Even if you’ve made it this far without major issues, now is the time to schedule a check-up—before a small issue becomes a guest complaint or a bigger repair.
Budd’s Plumbing & HVAC offers fast service for clogged drains, broken fixtures, frozen AC units, and everything in between. We also offer seasonal inspections tailored to shore rental properties, helping you wrap up the summer and prepare for fall.
Call 609-465-3759 or request service at buddsplumbing.com