Can the Spring Season Cause Plumbing Issues?
While it’s true that April showers bring May flowers, they also can bring plumbing issues. Excess rain can impact the entire plumbing system in the home and cause some fairly significant problems. More often than not, these issues can be prevented or at the very least repaired by an expert plumber. This article will discuss the different plumbing issues heavy rainfall can cause, as well as what can be done to fix them before they get worse.
Saturated Soil Can Lead to Plumbing Issues
Due to excessive rains, the soil around the home can quickly become saturated with water. While the soil can soak up a fairly large amount of rainwater, it does have a maximum amount that it can hold.
Once that threshold is met, any extra water will just stay on the surface of the soil as standing or surface runoff. Saturated soil can lead to a few different plumbing issues, most of which are potentially expensive and complicated to fix.
One of the biggest plumbing issues related to this excess rainwater is a shifting foundation. The soil swells when it is at its capacity for water, which can eventually cause the home’s walls to tilt or bow inward. Eventually, when the water evaporates, the home resettles. This not only leads to additional cracks and shifting in the foundation but also increases the possibility for water to enter the house.
Excess Water Creates Slab Leaks
Another of the common plumbing issues that storms can cause this time of year are slab leaks. Slab leaks happen when the pipes either underneath or inside the home start to leak. While they can sometimes start out slow and even unnoticeable, they will eventually lead to costly damage and a significant need for repair. This happens as the water from the leaking pipes saturates the soil under and around the home.
Luckily, there are several different signs of slab leaks. If a homeowner notices any of these signs, especially after heavy rain, a plumber should be contacted immediately to minimize the potential for long-term damage.
- A noticeable increase in the water bill.
- Mildew or mold (either seen or smelled at home).
- Water pooling in inappropriate areas.
- Damp carpets or warping hardwood floors.
- A decrease in the home’s water pressure.
As discussed above, the plumbing issues that can be created by slab leaks can be serious and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Plumbers have a few different options when it comes to fixing slab leaks. They can perform a spot repair (if the area is accessible) or a total re-piping or re-routing of the pipes. If the slab leak is small enough, pipelining may also be an option.
Cracked Pipes Can Also Be a Major Plumbing Issue
As water rushes into the pipes, the pressure increases. Over time, that increased water pressure can cause the pipes to crack. Cracked pipes also leak water into the home and will eventually burst and cause massive amounts of damage.
The good news is that plumbers have ways that they can fix a cracked pipe. However, many of these are temporary solutions. The only way to really fix cracked pipes is by totally re-piping either that section of the pipes or the entire home.
Temporary solutions for plumbing issues like cracked pipes include pipe clamps, epoxy putty, plumbing repair tape, pipe wraps, patches, and plumbing repair sleeves.
About C & D Plumbing Inc.
A family-owned and operated plumbing company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, C & D Plumbing Inc. offers expert solutions, personal attention and care, honest services, and guaranteed satisfaction. The reliable, professional staff provides both big and small plumbing services and has been in business for more than a decade.