For many homeowners, spring signals a chance to renew their homes, from a thorough spring cleaning to getting a start on those home improvement projects they’ve been putting off for the last few months.
However, one area that homeowners often overlook is their plumbing system. There are a number of problems that may have happened over the winter that start to show themselves as the warmer spring temperatures hit.
Here are five of the most common plumbing problems you might encounter this spring.
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Pipe Leaks
Spring is often the season in which homeowners discover damage that may have been done to their plumbing over the winter. We’re all familiar with the danger that frozen pipes can pose to your plumbing system, as expanding ice and built-up water pressure can lead to cracked, leaky pipes.
But small cracks in your pipes may not start leaking until spring, when the temperatures warm up and the materials in your pipes start to expand slightly. If you notice any leaks in your plumbing or any potential warning signs, such as pipe swelling, you should call a qualified plumber to perform a pipe repair right away.
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Drain Clogs
There are a number of reasons why clogs tend to occur in the spring. With the winter holidays comes extra cooking, which means that more food waste goes down your drains. Increased numbers of houseguests can also lead to more hair being washed down the drains of your sinks and tubs.
Springtime also means that trees are growing, and their roots can quickly clog your drains.
Whether your drains are draining slowly or completely blocked, spring is an ideal time for an annual drain cleaning, which will clear out your drains and keep your plumbing clear for months.
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Low Water Pressure
If you experience a decrease in your home’s water pressure, it’s probably a sign that you have a more complicated problem. Oftentimes, reduced pressure results from a leak in your home’s supply line, but it can also indicate other kinds of damage to your pipes, including breaks and crimps. A plumbing technician can diagnose and repair the issue for you.
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Sump Pump Problems
Spring showers may bring flowers, but they can also bring a headache if your sump pump is malfunctioning. Usually, your sump pump doesn’t run as much during the winter, as most excess water is frozen in the ground. But with spring, that water melts and saturates the ground, and additional rain can lead to water pooling up in your basement or crawlspace.
Have your sump pump inspected by a plumbing professional at the beginning of spring, so you can be sure that you won’t have a basement full of water.
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Hose Bibb Leaks
It’s important to prepare your outdoor hose bibs for winter, which means detaching your garden hose, shutting off the water to the bibb, and clearing any remaining water. If you overlook these steps, there’s a good chance you could end up with a significant leak.
If you encounter any of these springtime problems, contact the experts at Hearn Plumbing Heating & Air, and we’ll get your home’s plumbing back in shape.