Updated February 1, 2024

If you are like many people in or around Grimes, you’re eager to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring and the warm weather it brings. However, spring is also the season when you’re most likely to encounter a range of plumbing problems, including…

• Cracked and leaky pipes
• Clogged drains
• Sump pump malfunctions

Learn about these plumbing problems and how to detect them so that you can protect your home and budget.

Cracked and Leaky Pipes

During the winter, cold weather can freeze the water in your pipes, and water expands as it freezes. The expanding ice can crack pipes, causing leaks.

Even a small leak can cause you to lose around 10,000 gallons of water each year, which is enough to do 270 loads of laundry. Cracked pipes in and around your home can damage your walls and promote mold growth. No matter how small the issue might seem from the surface, you must address cracked and leaky pipes as soon as you spot the signs of trouble.

Not all leaks are obvious. To determine if you leak, watch your water bill closely for any unexpected spikes. You can also use your water meter to learn if you’re losing water. Here’s how:

• Turn off all water in your home
• Record the number on your water meter
• Wait at least 20 minutes
• Check your water meter again

Did the meter reading change? If so, you leak.

Clogged Drains

Of course, clogs can happen at any time of the year, but clogs during spring could be particularly troublesome.

After a season of dormancy, trees stretch their roots deeper underground in search of nutrients. And they’ll find all the nutrients they need in your plumbing system. A root invasion can cause leaks and a sewage backup.

To prevent this, schedule a professional hydro-jetting of your plumbing at the start of spring. The heavy water pressure will blast away roots before they have a chance to develop into a full-blown blockage.

Sump Pump Malfunctions

Spring rains and winter runoff can overwhelm your sump pump.

Since sump pumps play a critical role in keeping your basement safe and dry, ensure that your sump pump is always working properly. A failing sump pump allows water to build up in your basement, causing mold growth and water damage. Knowing how to spot the early signs of trouble can save you a lot of money in the long run.

If your sump pump is making strange sounds, you have an issue that you need to address right away. Sump pumps that are in good shape are so quiet that you won’t even know they are there. When your sump pump stops removing water as fast as it once did, you have another warning sign on your hands.

Let Golden Rule Help

No matter what plumbing problems come your way this spring, Golden Rule is ready to solve them. We take pride in our work and care about your plumbing as much as you do. If you are ready to contain your plumbing problem before it gets even worse, contact our team today at 515-393-4526 or schedule an appointment online.

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