Top Springtime Plumbing Issues & How to Prevent Them

Temperatures are finally warming up here in Birmingham. Alabama's own Sand Mountain Sam predicted an early spring, and we're already seeing the redbuds and pink magnolias spring to life. Unfortunately, many homeowners are also starting to notice their fair share of springtime plumbing issues, which often rear their heads once winter temperatures start to thaw.

Spring is a busy time for plumbing contractors in Birmingham, but we want to share our top insights to help you avoid some of the main offending problems. From plumbing maintenance tips to signs it's time to call a plumber, here is the Guin Service guide to spring cleaning for your home's plumbing system!

Top 5 Most Common Springtime Plumbing Issues

Leaky Pipes

We often associate leaky pipes with extreme winter temperatures and major plumbing emergencies like burst pipes. But frozen water in your pipes doesn't always burst dramatically---it can also cause small cracks and fractures that you may not notice until spring.

March is also Birmingham's wettest month, and when the rainy season starts up again, the soil around your home can become heavy and put extra pressure on your pipes. 

The best way to prevent these issues is to make sure your pipes are well-insulated and inspected at the beginning of winter. If you didn't take these measures this year, make a plan for next year. In the meantime, now is the perfect time to check your home for signs of leaks, like:

• Musty smells
• Unexplained spike in your water bill
• Water stains or wet spots on ceilings or walls
• Visible mold
• Sound of running or dripping water

How serious is a leaky pipe?

Leaky pipes are considered a plumbing emergency because even minor leaks can cause extensive water damage to your property in a short period of time. If you suspect a leak in your home, call the emergency plumbers at Guin Service today at (205) 407-1741.

Low Water Pressure

No one enjoys underwhelming water pressure, whether they're trying to take a shower or get their dishes clean. But this problem can be more than an inconvenience---it may be a sign of a larger, more serious problem.

Sometimes, temporary pressure issues are related to problems with the municipal water supply. However, if you're still battling sub-par water pressure after a few days, you may be dealing with another issue, like a leak. For all the same reasons that leaks are common in the spring, so too is low water pressure.

Why is my water pressure low?

There are a few reasons you may be dealing with an inadequate water supply come springtime. The most common causes of low water pressure include:

• Clogged or corroded pipes and fixtures: Your pipes accumulate mineral buildup and debris over time, which can restrict water flow. Spring is a great time to flush your water heater---and try cleaning your showerhead, too!
• Pressure regulator issues: Every home's main water line has a pressure regulator, which keeps high-volume municipal water from damaging your home's fixtures. If this regulator malfunctions, it could cause water pressure problems.
• Main water line leaks: Check for wet spots or pooling water in and around your home, and call a plumber if you notice anything suspicious.

Slow Drains

During the winter months, we put our plumbing systems through a lot. The holidays bring lots of extra visitors, greasy dishes, and opportunities for clogged drains. That means many homeowners find themselves facing buildups of soap scum, food scraps, and other debris that can make for some unpleasant encounters in their sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets.

Professional drain cleaning can help you cut through this residue and keep things running smoothly for the year ahead!

Does Drano work on slow drains?

Drano and other store-bought chemical drain cleaners are NOT recommended for slow drains or drain clogs. While they may appear to help temporarily, they can damage your plumbing system and cause even more costly issues later down the line.

The pros at Guin Service can use a number of solutions to clean your drains safely and effectively. Whether you've got a large or small clog, our team will know precisely what techniques and tools to use to clear it out.

Sewer Line Clogs

We all love seeing the green sprout back into our lawns, yards, and favorite outdoor spaces come spring. Of course, this new growth---paired with the heavy rains that can make pipes vulnerable---can cause problems for your home's sewer lines. Tree root intrusions into main sewer lines are particularly common in the spring. 

Signs that you're dealing with a tree root intrusion or another type of sewer line issue include:

• Sewer smells in your home
• Multiple slow drains throughout your home
• Sewage backup in toilets and/or tubs and showers
• Gurgling toilets
• Unusually lush patches in your yard
• Mold growth
• Cracks in your foundation

What dissolves tree roots in sewer lines?

Professional plumbers can use advanced rooter tools to clear through blockages in your pipes, including tree roots. We have a range of options to clean out sewer lines, as well as repair or replace them if necessary.

The best ways to prevent sewer line replacement are installing PVC pipes, planting trees with limited root growth, and calling a plumber at the first signs of any issue. We have a range of options for relining and repairing older pipes when caught early enough!

Water Heater Malfunctions

Water heaters have to work overtime in the winter, battling extra cold water coming in from our main supply lines and the additional use they may face while we have holiday visitors in the home. If it's been a while since you last scheduled water heater maintenance, this extra pressure may be just enough to push your system over the edge.

If you're having to wait too long for hot water, facing water pressure problems, or hearing strange noises, schedule your annual water heater maintenance call today!

Is a leaking water heater dangerous?

Yes---like any other leak, water heater leaks can cause extensive property damage quickly. This is especially true if you have a water heater installed above any living space. If your water heater is showing signs of malfunction or is over 9-10 years old, it's best to be proactive and call a plumber as soon as possible.

Spring is the Ideal Time for Plumbing Maintenance

As you can see, springtime in Birmingham can bring more than just a risk of severe weather. Winter is hard on plumbing systems, and as we emerge from the cold temperatures, plenty of previously unseen issues can arise. That's what makes spring the ideal time to schedule a plumbing inspection.

During a plumbing inspection with Guin Service, your expert plumber will gain a clear picture of any problems that may be developing in your pipes, drains, fixtures, and water heater. If they notice any small problems, they will recommend the ideal fix---before they develop into costly plumbing emergencies.

If it's been over a year since your last plumbing inspection, contact Guin Service today to schedule service!

Guin Service: Birmingham's Trusted Emergency Plumbers, HVAC Technicians, & Generator Experts

At Guin Service, we're proud to have served homeowners in Birmingham, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Homewood, & Hoover for over 65 years. For year-round peace of mind for your water heater and other major systems, learn more about our Guin Guard maintenance program. And for the unexpected, you can always trust our team to be on call 24/7. Schedule your service online or call (205) 407-1741 today.