With chilly weather behind us, homeowners on the West Coast are excited to kick-start the spring and summer season. The last thing that you want to be thinking about while soaking up the sunshine is your plumbing. It is common for many of us to ignore our plumbing systems until they force us to pay attention.
During the winter months, homeowners are most worried about sub-zero temperatures and burst pipes. While we cannot stop or prevent the cold weather during winter, we can prevent frozen pipes from becoming a broken, costly concern. As the cold months have passed, there are a new set of common springtime plumbing problems to be mindful of as we approach the warmer weather.
Common Plumbing Issues in BC
Damage in Outdoor Faucets : Outdoor water access is great for gardening, but it can be terrible for your home if there is a crack. There is always a chance of damage, even after a mild winter, so it’s important to check outdoor taps before turning them on. Look around the faucet for signs of cracks and monitor water pressure before attaching a hose. If you see signs of damage or low water flow, take swift action and call a plumber. Quick action can mean the difference between a small repair and having to take apart walls.
Irrigation Issues: Irrigation systems are common throughout BC. Between cold snaps and shifting fittings, cracks and damage can happen. Damaged systems are tough because they run primarily underground, so it’s easy to miss signs of damage. Even a small leak can cause major damage when it’s left unchecked for weeks. A drop in water pressure could potentially be solved by cleaning off sprinkler heads, or it could be a symptom of leaking pipes. Leaky pipes can drown yards, wreck landscaping or flood basements.
Clogged Drains: A trip to the beach is supposed to be relaxing, but the plumbing problems that follow are the complete opposite. Sand can clog shower drains, along with dirt, hair, grease and soap. When hosting, the more people that go in and out of your home, the more pressure there is on your plumbing systems. Over the course of the winter and spring seasons, it’s common for organic debris to clog up perimeter drains. Clogs can form indoors and outside, but a professional plumbers can handle both.
Damage From Liquid Drain Cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners or liquid plumber seem like a quick and easy way to treat a common annoyance, but these can do more harm than good. These might offer up a bit of temporary relief, but they’re only treating the symptom, not the cause. Depending on when your home was built (such as the 1990’s or 2000’s), your plumbing system probably has plastic components. Harsh chemicals will cause materials to break down over time, leading to leaks.
Strained Appliances: A busy summer season means more traffic through your household. There is likely an increase in use of washing machines, refrigerators and especially AC units. If appliances are in need of repair, you might experience poor performance or more serious issues. Damaged appliances can lead to flooded basements, leaks, or clogged drains. If you start to see water leaking from the bottom of washing machines or dishwashers, don’t hesitate to call an expert for an inspection. If it is time to upgrade outdated appliances, contact a plumber for installation.
Sump Pump Issues: One of the main spring plumbing problems facing homeowners in BC is flooding. Heavy rains can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to backup and water damage. It’s a good idea to have your systems and sump pit inspected regularly to avoid a serious headache later on.
Ensure that you are making the most out of summer with help from local pros. The experts at Pete & Son Plumbing understand common plumbing problems, as well as the more complex issues. Don’t let common spring plumbing issues wreck your fun! As the temperature rises, utility usage rates will rise. Inspections from plumbing professionals will help to control your water bill, protect pipes and drains and avoid costly problems.
