Key takeaways
Spring is the perfect time to take steps to make sure you don’t have plumbing issues after the chilly winter months. Expanding and cracking, sediment buildup, root intrusions, and stagnant water heater issues can affect plumbing over time. Ensure your indoor and outdoor plumbing is maintained now, to avoid costlier repairs in the future.
Spring break is here, but you don’t want your pipes to break along with it. Especially in Florida, the increased humidity after the winter months can lead to issues that aren’t immediately visible.
Finding these small plumbing issues in spring is essential to prevent bigger problems later. But of course, you need to know what to look for. In our work, we’ve found 5 common spring plumbing problems that aren’t always obvious but may require some quick fixes. And, if you get them done this spring, you can take advantage of some great deals.
1. Expanding and Cracking Pipes
When the nights are colder, especially copper and some PVC pipes may expand. Because the material is rigid, that expansion can result in cracking, which ultimately causes leaks.
Those leaks aren’t always obvious. Look for increasing water bills, low water pressure, and spots on your walls where they run behind the wallpaper or drywall. It’s best to fix them before the cracks get bigger and mold starts to grow.
2. Buildups in Your Pipes
Even when pipes don’t crack, Floridians start to increase their water usage in spring. That adds dirt and sediment to the pipes, which starts to build up. We also see homes run their A/C more, leading to more water draining through the pipes.
Low water pressure is again a solid indicator that you might need to take care of these non-obvious spring plumbing problems. Leave it alone, and you risk mold and algae buildup that again compromise the integrity of the pipes. Before you know it, you get holes, cracks, and leaks.
3. Sewer Line Root Intrusions
Warmer weather in spring makes plant roots want to grow. Unfortunately, your pipes aren’t always an obstacle they try to avoid. Instead, they sense the moisture and try to grow right into it, and too often, they win that battle.When that happens in your sewer lines, you might start smelling some unpleasant odors or start seeing your sewage back up. Even before that, drains start slowing down, and toilets stop draining as well. You’ll probably need to start thinking about root removal and pipe replacements.
4. Outdoor Plumbing Failures
Florida, of course, has much more exterior plumbing than sewage lines. Your pool, water irrigation system, or outdoor shower may all need water pipes. The state’s early spring rains can shift the sandy soil, which puts pressure on these systems when they run underground.
And that’s before we get into potential clogging issues from sand, leaves, and dirt. All of those outdoor spring plumbing problems and concerns should get special attention this season.
5. Stagnant Water Heater Issues
As the weather gets warmer, you might need less hot water. That’s good for your electric or gas bill, and the heater flushes itself less. It becomes stagnant, and sediment can start to build up in the unit.
At least initially, the problem is not as significant as broken pipes. You might hear unusual noises or see a loss in heating efficiency. But if you leave it alone over time, it can begin to leak or break, which makes for a costly replacement compared to a timely repair.
Proactive Maintenance Can Improve Your Spring Plumbing Problems in Florida
As with many things in owning a home, indoor and outdoor plumbing will start to get worse if left alone over time. Regular, proactive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your systems in top shape and preventing potential major issues that become cost prohibitive.
With the shifting seasons and temperatures, spring is the perfect time to give your pipes and plumbing some love. It’s why Harrington Air Conditioning offers special spring coupons to make your plumbing maintenance as easy and cost-effective as possible. From our $99 drain cleaning to a $149 annual plumbing membership, we prioritize working with clients who value quality and service. Use our online web scheduler today, or call 727-477-1552 to get started.
