Spring is a season of renewal and growth, but it can also bring its fair share of plumbing problems. As the weather starts to warm up, homeowners may notice issues with their plumbing systems that they didn’t experience during the colder months. To help you avoid these common spring plumbing issues, we’ve put together this guide. 

Common Issues 

  • Clogged Drains: Spring cleaning is a common activity during this season, and while you’re decluttering your home, it’s important to pay attention to what goes down your drains. Hair, soap, food particles, and other debris can easily build up in your pipes and cause blockages. To avoid clogged drains, make sure to dispose of food waste properly, use a drain catcher in your bathroom sinks and shower drains to catch hair and soap, and avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink.

  • Leaking Faucets: After a long winter of inactivity, your outdoor faucets may start to leak when you turn them on for the first time. This is often due to the expansion and contraction of the pipes in extreme temperatures. To prevent this issue, make sure to disconnect any hoses that were attached to the faucet during the winter, and turn off the outdoor water supply before the first frost. If you do notice a leak, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid wasting water and potentially causing water damage.
  • Burst Pipes: As the weather starts to warm up, the ground around your home may thaw, causing shifts in the soil and pressure on your pipes. This can lead to burst pipes, which can cause significant damage to your home if not addressed quickly. To prevent burst pipes, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes in your home, and keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit even when you’re away.

  • Sump Pump Issues: Spring showers can lead to flooding in your basement, which is where your sump pump comes in. However, if your sump pump isn’t working properly, you could be at risk for water damage. To prevent this issue, make sure to test your sump pump before the start of the spring season and have it serviced regularly. You should also consider installing a battery backup system in case of a power outage.

  • Water Heater Malfunctions:  During the winter months, your water heater is working hard to make sure you always have hot water on demand. As a result, it may experience wear and tear that can lead to malfunctions in the spring. To prevent this issue, have your water heater serviced regularly, and consider flushing it once a year to remove any sediment buildup.

By being aware of these common spring plumbing issues and taking preventative measures, you can avoid costly repairs and damage to your home. Regular maintenance and upkeep of your plumbing system can also help ensure that it lasts for years to come. 

Contact Us  

If you do experience any plumbing issues this spring, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Bronco. We’re here to help keep your plumbing, heating and cooling systems in tip-top shape.