Will April Showers Cause Spring Plumbing Problems?

Christine Mahan • April 24, 2023
Interior Clogs and Leaks

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!


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If your home is 30, 40, or even 50 years old, there’s a good chance your gas piping system hasn’t been updated since it was installed. Unfortunately, aging gas pipes can put your home and family at serious risk. Gas lines naturally degrade over time, and older materials are much more likely to develop leaks, corrosion, or even sudden failures. In metro Atlanta, soil conditions and humid weather can speed up deterioration, making it even more important to have your system inspected if your home is decades old. At Plumb Works, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of outdated gas lines in Atlanta-area homes. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to have yours evaluated. Why Old Gas Pipes Are a Serious Hazard Gas lines may last for decades, but they don’t last forever. Many Atlanta homes built between 1975-1995 used black iron or galvanized steel gas piping. These older materials are prone to: Corrosion and rust: Atlanta’s humid summers and occasional flooding can accelerate corrosion, especially in crawl spaces or underground lines. Loose connections: Changes in temperature between the hot southern summers and colder winters can weaken threaded connections, leading to leaks. Outdated materials: Galvanized steel pipes used in the past can flake apart internally, causing dangerous blockages. Lack of protective coating: Modern gas lines are coated with fusion-bonded epoxie (FBEs) to resist corrosion, but older pipes generally don’t have that protection. Even small leaks are dangerous because there is no safe level of exposure to natural gas. Natural gas is highly flammable, and any exposure can also lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even suffocation at high levels. Warning Signs Your Gas Piping Needs Repair or Replacement Because most gas piping runs behind walls or underground, spotting problems isn’t always easy. Here are a few red flags to watch for: A rotten egg smell (the odorant added to natural gas) Hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or lines Dead patches of grass above buried gas lines Visible rust or corrosion on any exposed pipes A sudden or unexplained increase in your gas bill If you notice any of these, call a licensed plumber right away. Gas leaks are an emergency and should NEVER be handled as a DIY repair. What Atlanta Homeowners Should Do If Your Gas Piping Is 30-50 Years Old If your home’s gas lines are decades old, schedule a professional inspection even if you haven’t noticed issues. Licensed plumbers in Atlanta, like Plumb Works, can evaluate your system, locate leaks, and determine if repairs or a full replacement are necessary. Modern gas piping materials like CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) or polyethylene piping last longer, resist corrosion, and are more flexible for installations around Georgia’s clay-heavy soil. Upgrading your system will not only make your home safer but also more efficient. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Delaying repairs or replacement of old gas pipes can have devastating consequences, including fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide exposure. Addressing the problem now can keep your family safe while protecting your property (and your wallet) from major damage. It’s also crucial to bring your home up to Georgia’s current safety codes. Call Atlanta’s Trusted Gas Line Repair Experts If your Atlanta home was built from 1975-1995 and you’ve never had the gas piping inspected, now is the time. Plumb Works, Inc. specializes in Atlanta gas line repair and gas line replacement . We understand the unique challenges of Georgia’s climate and soil conditions and follow all City of Atlanta and Georgia state codes for gas line safety. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a dangerous emergency. Call us today or schedule an appointment online using our self-scheduler. Our licensed plumbers will perform a thorough inspection and give you peace of mind knowing your home’s gas piping is safe.
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When running a business, plumbing might not be top of mind—until something goes wrong. A burst pipe, a backed-up drain, or a faulty water heater can disrupt operations, inconvenience customers, and lead to expensive repairs. Regular commercial plumbing maintenance helps prevent these issues, saving businesses time, money, and stress. But not all businesses have the same plumbing needs. Let’s take a look at why maintenance is crucial and what specific industries should focus on.  Why Regular Maintenance Matters Neglecting plumbing maintenance can lead to serious problems, including: ✔ Unexpected Downtime – A plumbing emergency can halt operations, costing businesses revenue and productivity. ✔ Expensive Repairs – Small issues, like a slow drain, can escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked. ✔ Health & Safety Concerns – Leaks and water damage can lead to mold growth, contamination, and even structural damage. ✔ Regulatory Compliance – Many industries must meet health and safety standards for plumbing systems, especially with backflow testing . Backflow testing must be performed annually in the State of Georgia for all businesses that connect directly or indirectly to the public water supply. By scheduling routine maintenance, businesses can catch minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring smooth operations year-round. Industry-Specific Plumbing Needs Restaurants & Food Service For restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens, plumbing problems can be disastrous. A clogged grease trap or backed-up drain can lead to kitchen shutdowns and health code violations. Regular maintenance should include: Grease trap cleaning or new grease trap installation . Drain and sewer line inspections. Water heater checks for dishwashers and sinks. Healthcare & Medical Facilities Hospitals, dental offices, and clinics rely on clean water and functional plumbing for sanitation and patient care. Preventative maintenance in these spaces should focus on: Backflow prevention to ensure water quality. Regular pipe inspections to prevent leaks and contamination. Water heater maintenance for sterilization equipment. Office Buildings & Corporate Spaces Large office buildings see heavy restroom use, making plumbing upkeep essential. Common maintenance needs include: Checking for leaks in restrooms and breakroom sinks. Maintaining water pressure for multiple floors. Inspecting sewer lines to prevent backups. Retail & Shopping Centers Customer restrooms, employee break areas, and utility sinks are all essential in retail spaces. Routine checks should include: Leak detection in public restrooms (especially for Mom & Pop shops in metro Atlanta with 1-2 bathrooms on site.) Water heater maintenance for stores with in-house cafés. Ensuring floor drains are clear to prevent flooding. Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities Factories and warehouses use plumbing for both sanitation and production processes. Preventative maintenance should focus on: Inspecting high-use pipes for corrosion. Checking for leaks in chemical or waste disposal systems. Ensuring emergency eyewash stations and safety showers function properly. Places of Worship Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship often have large gatherings that rely on the plumbing functioning correctly. With your patrons in attendance for long periods, on-site kitchens, and regular community events, regular maintenance is essential and should include: Checking restrooms for leaks, clogs, and proper water pressure. Inspecting and maintaining water heaters for kitchens and fellowship halls. Ensuring baptismal fonts and other specialty plumbing features are in good working order. Keeping sewer and drainage systems clear to accommodate large services and events. Schedule Commercial Plumbing Maintenance With Plumb Works A proactive approach to commercial plumbing maintenance saves businesses from expensive surprises. Scheduling routine inspections, cleaning drains, and keeping plumbing systems in top shape ensures smooth operations and regulatory compliance. If you own or manage a commercial property, don’t wait for a plumbing emergency. Invest in regular maintenance to protect your business, employees, and customers. Contact Plumb Works today to schedule a service or set up a custom maintenance plan that fits your industry’s needs.
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