As much as we love the beginning of spring here in Maine, it does carry the risk of several plumbing problems. Almost all of them require the intervention of a plumbing professional, but you should be on the lookout for them so you know when to call for help. That being said, here are some of the most common plumbing problems you might encounter this spring.
1. Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are a potential problem throughout the year, but they are especially likely after a harsh winter. This is often tied to the common winter plumbing problem of frozen pipes. Water freezes as it expands, which puts a lot of pressure on your pipes. This can cause pipes to crack or even burst, and you might not notice the problem until the water within them starts to thaw at the beginning of spring.
A leaky pipe is a serious plumbing issue that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. If you notice things in your home such as low water pressure, standing water, or signs of water damage such as water spots or a musty smell, you might have a leak.
2. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a sign of a leaking pipe, but it can have other causes. For example, if you went out of town during the winter and shut off your main water valve, you might not have turned it on all the way when you returned. This will definitely cause lower water pressure throughout your home. Low water pressure can also be caused by corroded pipes or mineral deposits from hard water.
Water pressure issues aren’t always limited to your home, either. Your local water supplier might be having issues during the spring thaw, which can affect your entire neighborhood. If you have low water pressure in your home even when your main water valve is open all the way, speak with your neighbors to see if they’re having the same problem. If they are, the problem lies with your water supplier.
3. Damaged Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems are especially vulnerable to winter weather. That’s why you need to winterize your outdoor plumbing by turning off its water supply and draining all the water from it before the weather gets too cold. Whether you remembered to do this or not, you need to be mindful of any damage to your outdoor plumbing once the spring thaw begins. Look for signs such as cracked hose bibs, burst pipes, leaks, or low water pressure in your outdoor spigots. If you suspect a problem, contact a plumber to find and fix it right away.
4. Clogged Drains
Like pipe leaks, clogged drains can happen at any time of the year. They’re caused by things such as greasy food going down your kitchen drain or hair clogging your shower drain. Drain clogs tend to be more common during the winter and early spring if you’ve spent a lot of time cooking for holiday get-togethers or making home-cooked meals when you’re stuck indoors. All the grease and food waste from those meals collects in your drains throughout the winter, which can create problems in the early spring.
As always, be careful about what goes down your drain. Cooking grease and starchy foods should always go in the trash, and a drain catcher should be used in your shower or bathtub to catch loose hair. Meanwhile, the only things that should ever be flushed down your toilet are toilet paper and human waste.
If you do have a clogged drain in your home, you can sometimes clear it out with a plunger or a plastic drain tool. Chemical drain cleaners also work, but they need to be used sparingly since they are incredibly caustic and can damage your plumbing if they’re overused. If you can’t clear a clogged drain yourself, call a plumber for help.
5. Sump Pump Issues
Your sump pump removes excess water from your basement to prevent flooding. It comes in very handy during the spring thaw if you’ve had a lot of snow, so you’ll need to make sure it stays in good shape. Make sure that your sump pump is working properly, and schedule a tune-up for it at least once a year.
Call Our Expert Plumbers for Assistance
If you notice any of these problems during the spring thaw, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dog House for assistance. We serve Brunswick, ME and the surrounding areas, and we provide residential plumbing services of all kinds. Whether you have a leaking pipe or a clogged drain, or your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced, you can count on our professionals to give you the help that you need. Give us a call today!
