Common Spring Plumbing Issues

No matter how much you love the chill of winter, it can wreak havoc on your pipes. Unfortunately, some of that havoc doesn’t rear its head until springtime when pipes and the ground start to defrost. The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can diagnose these issues before they become more serious problems.

What to Look for Come Spring

While the first things you may be looking for in the coming months is the Easter bunny and, hopefully, the crocuses, don’t ignore your plumbing. Watch for mishaps that are the results of quick thaws or ice- damaged pipes. A few things to be on the lookout for include:

Leaking Pipes.

Sometimes, pipes break just a bit, creating cracks in the line. Low temps can mean those cracks are temporarily filled with some of the water freezing as it flows through. When the weather turns, the melting ice can cause a leak. Unfortunately, you may not even notice there’s a problem until a leak pops up in the basement. However, if you have a water pressure change, it may be a signal that this has occurred.

Obstructed Pipes.

Though you may have spent fall clearing debris to prevent clogged outdoor pipes, there’s a lot that can happen between fall and winter. When leaves and dirt block your outdoor pipes, it can cause water to show up in unexpected places. Inspect your exterior pipes after your first big thaw, and keep an eye on them as the snow melts. You may be able to clear out the debris on your own, but if it has become impacted, a professional will be needed to clear the lines.

Slow Drainage.

Slow drainage can occur anytime, but consider what happens in your kitchen between November and April – Thanksgiving feasts, a big holiday meal come December, a few pot roasts to stay warm through January and February, and maybe even Easter dinner. Most of our big celebratory meals come during the colder months. Cleaning up after all those events can be tough on the kitchen pipes. Extra family in town can put a stress on the bathrooms. If you find that your drains aren’t clearing as fast as they were at the beginning of the season, contact our team.

Spring Brings New Growth

In addition to the big three issues to look out for like slow drains, obstructions, and leaks, know that later spring weather can also bring plumbing problems. All those beautiful trees that you are enjoying aren’t just growing up top – they are growing below, too, and those growths may reach your pipes, causing invisible problems. If you notice a puddle in the yard or some slow pipes in later spring or summer, it may be roots affecting your system. We have the tools to diagnose it and clear your pipes before they become a worse problem.

Consider a Spring Check-Up

We’re all glad to hear the birds chirping and the sun shining, but weather changes affect your plumbing; the cold will cause your pipes to unsettle and change, especially if they are very old and the winter is severe, and spring may bring those issues to light. If you notice changes to your system, talk to a professional about whether it could mean a bigger problem.