Will April Showers Cause Spring Plumbing Problems?
The arrival of spring is a time for growth and warmer weather, but it is also the time for a rise in spring plumbing problems. Seasonal changes can cause a variety of issues, most of which can lead to further damage if left untreated for too long. These issues can vary from a clogged storm drain to backed-up sewer lines. It’s important to solve these problems by first knowing exactly what causes them and understanding what happens if they’re left untreated. Here are some of the common causes of spring plumbing problems, as well as preventatives and solutions to those issues.
Rainfall Can Lead to a Clogged Storm Drain
As we venture further into the spring season, there’s an increase in heavy rainfall. Storm drains are an important infrastructure built to prevent flooding and damage, but problems can arise when you have a clogged storm drain. Heavy rainfall can lead to debris getting into the drain and clogging it or even breaking parts of it. The consequences of these damages result in issues such as flooding in your yard, home, or garage, or soil erosion which is a hazard to animals and the environment.
An easy way to prevent lasting damage to your home and your community is to have your storm drain inspected or repaired. A simple inspection can lead to damaged or clogged storm drains being spotted before rainfall and severe weather can worsen their conditions. With those issues recorded, repairs can be made to ensure your spring season is free of flooding and unnecessary damage.
Plant Life Invading Sewer Lines
With the warm spring weather comes the encouragement of heavy plant growth, and not every plant sinks its roots into an appropriate place. Plants with dense roots, like trees, can gravitate toward sewer lines to soak up the condensation. The pressure they apply can lead to cracks in your pipes, as well as plant debris clogging them up. If your sewer pipes are already damaged or weakened, this could worsen their condition. This results in the possibility of puddles in your yard, backed-up sewage, and the risk of hazardous bacterial growth in your home and in the environment outside.
Sewer inspections are important in order to prevent these sorts of damages. You can check for slow drainage in your tub or sink, which may be from visible blockages or hidden clogs, and contact a plumber to inspect those lines. Cleaning the sewer lines can prevent clogs or ones that are developing, and repairing sewer lines that have worn down over time can save you from future issues as the spring season sets in.
Animals Taking Up Residence
Wildlife is a prominent factor when it comes to plumbing during the spring season. More often than not, you will find an increased number of animals in your area, such as birds and rodents. While the weather is beginning to get hotter, many animals still have their homes built in warmer places due to the winter weather, and some of those places are your gutters and pipes. The problem with animals taking shelter in those particular spots is that it can lead to clogs, pipe damage, and harm to the animals themselves. Birds can take a liking to your gutters, building nests in them that will cause blockages that will need to be cleared out and the inability for water to drain into a proper place.
It’s good practice to inspect your gutters and the visible parts of your pipes to look for nests and animals in them, especially coming into the spring season. Regular gutter and pipe cleanings from your local plumber can prevent damages caused by the debris, and keep your plumbing from wearing down. This will be helpful for the condition of your plumbing, and helpful for the wildlife as well.
Interior Clogs and Leaks
Spring plumbing problems can be present both outside and inside your home. The changing weather that comes with the arrival of spring can have a strong impact on your outdoor plumbing, but it can also affect your interior plumbing as well. Temperature changes and melting ice can add wear and tear to your pipes, with the previous wintry season potentially breaking down your plumbing. This can lead to leaks in the pipes to your bathtubs, toilets, and sinks. The increase in humidity can also encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can be provoked by leaky pipes, and lead to harmful conditions in your home if left untreated.
Making an appointment with your local plumber for an inspection when the seasons are changing is a good way to catch leaks and clogs before they get out of hand. With a thorough evaluation, plumbers will know what to repair or replace. Treating these issues ahead of time can save you the trouble of water damage and hazardous health conditions within your home.
How Can Spring Plumbing Problems Be Avoided?
Prevention is a vital key to stopping plumbing issues. Being aware of the seasonal changes in your area and checking your weather frequently can prepare you for potential risks. It is important to be proactive and we encourage you to contact plumbing professionals before those problems arise in the first place or before small damages get worse. Getting your pipes and drains inspected regularly can help prevent the risk of clogs and breakages that come with seasonal changes, but it can also save you money on larger and more expensive repairs in the long run. Always be alert for any slow drainages, leaks, unpleasant odors, and mildew or mold growth in and around your home. Keeping in contact with your local plumbing business and scheduling regular inspections and maintenance will save you the stress of troublesome pipes and drains, and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Plumb Works Inc. Can Help!
If you live in the Atlanta area and are in need of plumbing services, look to Plumb Works Inc. for help with your spring plumbing problems! With 30 years of experience, Plumb Works offers high-quality service you can count on. From a clogged storm drain to burst pipes, we offer a large range of plumbing services, both commercial and residential. Here are just a few of our services that could help in the coming spring season:
- Eco-friendly and sanitary hydro jetting for clogged drains
- Storm drain inspection and repair
- Faucet repair and replacement
- Water leak detection services and leak detection system installations
- Preventative maintenance for pumps and pipelines
- Repiping and sewer line replacement, including trenchless repair and replacement
On top of a large variety of services, Plumb Works is here to give personal attention to your plumbing needs. Our plumbers are experts in the field, and we ensure that your needs are met. When we’re called in for our services, it’s our responsibility to keep your home safe and secure and to give you peace of mind. We provide flat-rate prices and options for your repairs and replacements, with no pressure on the sales. Our replacements have a minimum 2-year warranty, and we offer emergency plumbing services day and night. We work to do comprehensive evaluations of your plumbing issues before any work starts, so there are no surprises. We want to reduce the stress of plumbing emergencies and regular maintenance for you. Visit our website, or give us a call, and our plumbers will be ready to help you with your spring plumbing problems, as well as any maintenance you need year-round!
