4 Common Plumbing Problems That Occur in Spring

Plumbing problems are inconvenient at any time. However, some are more likely to occur at certain times of the year than others. This makes sense when you consider how water demand and usage can vary during different seasons, as well as the changes in weather that can occur with each seasonal shift. In the spring, you may find yourself encountering specific problems that require plumbing services in Regina. Here are some things to watch out for.

1. Leaking Pipes

During the winter, the water in the pipes may be susceptible to freezing. This increases water pressure by stopping the usual flow of water in the pipes. When this happens, it may cause the pipes to burst, which is usually a pretty obvious problem that is difficult to ignore. However, instead of bursting, the pipes may simply crack. This can result in a slow leak that may cause damage over time. The signs of a problem such as this may be subtle at first and easy to miss.

Signs of a leaking pipe include stains on the walls or ceiling, a musty smell, or dripping or standing water in an unexpected place. When the ice in the pipe thaws with the return of warm weather, the leak may become bigger and more pronounced. The sooner you can have a leaking pipe repaired, the less water damage you may have to deal with.

2. Damaged Outdoor Pipes

The pipes inside your home may not be the problem. The ambient temperature inside the home is often warm enough to prevent the water inside from freezing. Outdoor pipes are a different story because they are out in the elements and have to face the full force of every wintry blast. A problem with an outdoor water pipe may go undetected for a while as well because you may not spend as much time outside when the weather is cold. It may not be until you notice a sudden increase in your water bill that you cannot account for that you realize there is a problem.

If you have damage to an outdoor pipe, you should call professional plumbing services in Regina as soon as possible after shutting off the water supply to it. You may be able to prevent outdoor pipes from freezing by winterizing them before cold weather hits, e.g., wrapping them with insulative material to protect them from the cold.

3. Sump Pump Malfunctions

In the spring, warm temperatures melt the snow and the frozen groundwater. This causes the ground to become saturated. The excess water can leak into your basement unless you have a sump pump to remove it through a discharge line to somewhere outside your home. You should have your sump pump maintained regularly to prevent this. You should also purchase a high-quality sump pump and have it professionally installed by plumbing services in Regina.

4. Low Water Pressure

There are many reasons why you may experience low water pressure in the spring. As the weather warms up and the ground thaws, it is an opportunity for municipal authorities to perform some maintenance. Therefore, the first thing to do when you notice low water pressure is to ask your neighbours if they are experiencing the same problem. If so, you just need to be patient; the pressure should return to normal once the work is finished.

If you went on a winter vacation, you may have turned off the water to prevent the pipes from freezing in your absence. If the water pressure is low when you get back, check to see that you opened up the valve completely.

If the problem is not due to either of these, the low pressure could be due to hard water mineral deposits, a leak, or corrosion in aging pipes.

Handyman Connection plumbers and craftsmen can diagnose and fix problems with your pipes. Contact us for a an estimate.