It’s springtime!
With spring comes plumbing issues, as everything begins to thaw out. Many different plumbing issues can appear come spring. This blog goes over the most common ones and how a plumber can help prevent them or solve the problem.
1. Leaking Pipes
Older pipes and plumbing systems are more susceptible to leaking. Additionally, even the smallest amount of freezing water in the pipes and outdoor fixtures can dramatically increase the risk of cracks and leaks.
Common indicators of leaks include foul smells caused by dampness, higher water bills, and visible signs of excessive wetness in specific spots on the inside or outside of your home.
2. Low Water Pressure
Another spring problem that plumbers get lots of calls for is low water pressure.
The cause of low water pressure can be many things: leaks in the pipes, corrosion, mineral deposit buildups, or aged pipes. It may even be caused neighbourhood water supply issues or your shutoff valve not being fully opened.
3. Damaged Outdoor Plumbing
If you didn’t properly winterize your outdoor plumbing, you may have burst pipes and cracked hose bibs in the future.
You may see signs such as puddles or dripping water. Another telltale sign is a sudden and inexplicable increase in your water bill.
4. Slow and Clogged Drains
If you are finding that most or all the drains in your home are slow, that may indicate a blockage in the sewer line.
There are many possible causes of this problem, such as tree roots that have grown towards the line in search of water to small leaks that cause the rapid growth and intrusion of vegetation in the pipe.
This is a common problem in the springtime when the ground begins to unfreeze, and damaged pipes start to leak.
5. Sump Pump Malfunctions
Sump pump malfunctions are usually caused by poor maintenance. Over time, like any mechanical device, these pumps develop faults through normal wear and tear, especially if they are cheap, improperly installed, or poorly maintained.
During spring, this becomes much more problematic. The temperature increases, melting snow and frozen groundwater, which fills up your sump pit. A well-functioning pump will expel the water out, but if it is not working properly, that expulsion doesn’t happen. This can leave you with a wet or flooded basement, and a lot of expensive property damage.
7. Water Heater Breakdowns
Water heater issues can become much more noticeable during winter and towards the beginning of spring. Your water heater needs to work extra hard to keep your water warm during the winter and keep up with your demand, so if it had any underlying issues before, these are likely to be aggravated by the extra workload.
Take Action with Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is the best way to get ahead of all these issues. A professional plumber is the best resource to call for maintenance and inspections, but there are a couple of things you can do yourself too.
Check for leaks in the pipes inside and outside your home, water lines under decks, around any outdoor taps, and any fixtures connected to sprinkler systems.
Older plumbing systems should be inspected to determine how much longer they can stay in place. It might be that you’ll need to invest in repiping.
For low water pressure, first ask if your neighbours have the same problem. If not, check your main water valve. If that’s not the issue, call in a pro.
Properly winterizing outdoor pipes by turning off the water supply and draining the water out. Insulate them if you can.
Sump pumps and water heaters should be given regular maintenance and inspections to determine if there are any issues that might arise.
If you do have any issues, it’s best to contact the professional plumbers at Black Forest Plumbing for repairs. Our expertise can take on issue problems that you’re facing. We serve the Greater Toronto Area with offices in Toronto, Barrie, and Newmarket.