Now that Spring has arrived, it is tempting to think that the worst of potential plumbing problems are behind us. Sadly, that’s wishful thinking. Here’s a look at some common plumbing problems that often occur in the Spring, and what you can do to avoid them.
Throughout winter, we are preoccupied with concerns about the possibility of freezing and bursting pipes. By the time everything thaws in spring, you can finally see problems that were hidden under snow, ice, dirt, and debris. A crack that occurred in a pipe thanks to expanding and bursting when not protected during winter may only now be noticeable.
Check for leaks in your pipes throughout your house, around outdoor faucets, water lines under decks to outside faucets, and switches to turn on underground sprinkler systems. You should also check on water hoses connected to an aboveground irrigation system.
Some typical indications that you have a problem with your pipes:
What’s the Solution? If you have a small leak that’s coming from one pipe, you may be able to fix it yourself. When your situation is more complicated, leave it to the pros. Schedule a consultation with Mr. Plumber to get an expert opinion on the next steps.
Your home’s plumbing system must work extra hard in the winter with holiday parties, lots of guests, and extra-long warm showers. While our plumbing works hard to keep up, problems might arise later down the road in spring. For example, with all those hot showers to keep warm, extra hair is bound to flow down your drain and cause a backup. While lesser amounts aren’t necessarily a problem, when lots of hair begins to build up unnoticed in the pipes it can create a clog and slow drains.
What’s the Solution? A plumbing snake or plunger is a good first step if you suspect a minor clog in your bathtub drain or toilet. But if the issue seems chronic, you should call a professional plumber to take a look.
Warm weather wakes plants, trees, and shrubs up from their winter dormancy. Once they start growing again, their roots grow too, often spreading out far enough to expand into your main sewer lines, or through the PVC pipes that connect your underground sprinkler system to your water supply. They can even grow around water meter boxes, which can break water services.
Since you can’t see what’s going on underground, the only clues you’ll have to potential problems are a drop in water pressure and slower draining. The worst-case scenario could be tree roots that infiltrate the pipes that supply water to your automatic sprinkler system.
When you are having water pressure problems or drainage problems or you’re finding evidence of excessive moisture on the ground, it’s pretty safe to assume that you’ve either got issues with your sewer lines or problems with your water supply lines.
What’s the Solution? If you’ve got underground plumbing problems, you need to hire experts. Call Mr. Plumber.
If you’re sick of dealing with plumbing problems and paying for after-hours emergency repair services, consider purchasing a PlumbingCare Maintenance Agreement from Mr. Plumber. Our maintenance plans are designed to prevent problems from occurring and give you discounted prices on all repairs. Call 770-777-1111 to learn more!
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