Common Spring Plumbing Issues
Each season brings its own unique set of potential plumbing problems. Spring is no exception. While you’re enjoying the sunny weather and colorful vegetation, those same springtime pleasures could be secretly damaging your plumbing. Warm temperatures and growing plants may be responsible for the following common spring plumbing issues:
Leaky Pipes
In the cold winter months, water can freeze and expand. This will put pressure on your pipes and produce cracking. Then in the springtime when your pipes thaw out, the warm weather can cause your pipes to expand. This will exacerbate the cracks, leading to pipe leaks and water damage. Diagnosing and correcting pipe leaks is a complex process that should be left to the professionals.
Backed Up Drains
Between holidays and indoor living, your pipes probably saw a lot of use over the winter months. And now that spring is here, you may also experience an increase in traveling visitors and weekend cookouts. All the extra water use, food debris, and hair down the drain can cause some serious blockage. Clear out clogged drains with a drain snake and stay away from harsh chemicals.
Underground Pipe Damage
Increased vegetation from plants and trees could be wreaking havoc on your underground pipes. Their root systems pay no mind to your outdoor plumbing system and will have no problem running right into it. They can wrap around or puncture sewer lines, PVC pipes, irrigation systems, and even water meters. Signs of underground pipe damage include water pressure issues, drainage problems, or standing groundwater. Underground pipe damage can be hard to trace so call a plumber for assistance if you notice any of these signs.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are magnets for falling flowers, twigs, and leaves. Also, sometimes animals build their nests in the comfortable crevices of your gutter. When this drainage system is clogged, water will reroute to the roof, siding, and house walls. This will inevitably lead to expensive water damage. You can prevent this problem by simply cleaning your gutters and downspouts routinely.
Sump Pump Failure
With increased rain or more frequent sprinkler usage, you could see a hike in groundwater levels. If you haven’t inspected your sump pump in a while, water could flood your basement or lower-level living space. To avoid this from happening, check your sump pump’s functionality before the start of spring.
Trust Stephens Plumbing to Fix Your Spring Plumbing Issues
If you’re one of the many homeowners experiencing the wrath of spring plumbing problems, you can rely on Stephens Plumbing. And if you aren’t sure if a problem exists, we are happy to perform a routine inspection of your plumbing systems. With over three decades of experience, Stephens Plumbing offers a wide range of plumbing services to remedy your springtime plumbing woes.