Prepare for These Common Springtime Plumbing Problems
Many problems around the home can be seasonal. This is especially true when it comes to a home’s plumbing. In the winter, burst pipes are common from freezes. In the fall, debris from trees can make its way into sewers and cause drain problems. But what problems are common to the spring? Luckily, local Nashville plumbers are here to offer advice about common spring plumbing problems and how to spot them before they become serious.
Saturated Soil
Winter is hard on plumbing because wintery temperatures can cause uninsulated pipes to freeze and burst. So really, shouldn’t the pipes in a home be ready for an easy spring? Not necessarily. The weather changes that are brought about by spring can be like getting out of the frying pan and into the fire for the pipes in a home.
Pipes that are buried underground are more likely to be damaged by spring weather than anything else. As soils freeze, they shift around. During the spring, these soils thaw and become subject to the heavy rains common around the Nashville area this time of year. For pipes that are buried underground, they have nowhere to go as the soil moves around them. This can cause lots of stress on their joints and lead to problems like burst pipes and slab leaks.
Signs of Slab Leaks
Due to the shifting of saturated soil, slab leaks become a common problem in the springtime. A slab leak occurs when a pipe inside or beneath a home’s concrete foundation becomes compromised. It can happen to pipes of any material, including copper or PVC. To spot a slab leak, homeowners should be on the lookout for: - Buckled Flooring: When a slab leak occurs, moisture will likely migrate upwards into the living space. This can cause laminate and wood floors to expand and buckle.
- Moist Spots: For homes that don’t have laminate or wood floors, homeowners may notice wet spots in the carpet or cool, slick spots on tile floors.
- Musty Odors: Odors may be the first noticeable sign. As moisture migrates upwards, it encourages mold and mildew growth that can easily be sensed through smell.
- Wet Spots on the Lawn: If leaks are bad enough, the water will need to get out somewhere. It will likely do this at the edge of the foundation and cause rapid turf growth or soggy spots.
Burst Underground Pipes
Expanding soils in the spring can often lead to burst pipes because of the stress put on the pipe joints. This is especially apparent in irrigation lines and the main water line that serves the home. When these large lines burst, they can quickly floor the entire yard and run up water bills. A quick response can prevent them from damaging the area, and fast repairs can restore service to the home.
To prevent burst pipes in the spring, consider updating the mainline that feeds water to the house. PVC pipe is notorious for breaking around elbows. New PEX style piping usually doesn’t use joints, and it is more flexible. This means that it is less likely to burst when shifting soils stress it.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing has been providing excellent service to Nashville for 40 years. Their seasoned professionals aren’t satisfied until their customers are satisfied. Call today friendly service and reliable emergency plumbing service.
