Get Ahead of Spring Plumbing Problems

Poor Drainage is a Top Springtime Plumbing Issue

While it might appear that winter is the time of year that creates the most plumbing issues for people, every season will bring its own number of concerns with the changing environment. As we move into springtime and temperatures begin to rise, there are several common plumbing issues that customers might find themselves facing.

Slow drainage is a typical springtime plumbing problem which is generally the result of a blockage restricting proper water flow and can occur both inside and outside of the home; however, there can be more serious causes behind this frustrating issue, so it always pays to have a professional tradesperson perform a complete drain inspection before taking plumbing repairs into your own hands.

Clogged Gutters and Poor Outdoor Drainage

When the snow starts to melt and spring rains begin, it’s important to ensure you have proper drainage around your property to reduce the risk of flooding. Without effective drainage, water can pool around the foundation of your house, and this can be especially problematic if you have a basement level in your home.

There are a couple of approaches to combating poor outdoor drainage, and gutter cleaning is a good place to start. New spring growth combined with the movement of melting snow can cause a backlog of leaves, twigs, and other debris in your gutters, potentially leading to severe water damage if these obstructions are left unchecked. In addition to the risk of flooding, water pooling can also damage siding and stain exterior walls, encourage the development of mold, cause corrosion, and create an ideal environment for unwanted pests.

Once clogged gutters have been addressed and remedied, you might need to have a plumber inspect your exterior pipes, particularly if you still notice excessive puddles and pooling around your home. At Veridis Plumbing & Heating, we have the latest in camera inspection technology and an impressively high rate of determining the problem so you can feel confident in our ability to fix all of your drainage issues. With the ability to record and create voice overs with our inspections, our team of professionals are happy to talk you through the entire drain inspection process and provide a recording that can be referenced down the road.

Slow Fixture Drainage

Another common springtime plumbing issue is slow-draining sinks, tubs, showers and floor drains. The first response of an irritated homeowner is generally to attack the problem with store-bought chemicals. While this can sometimes provide a quick fix, it’s important to use these products sparingly, as they can easily damage your pipes.

It’s always best to consult an experienced plumber since the problem can go beyond simple blockage issues. For example, an undiscovered crack in your pipe can encourage the infiltration of nearby tree roots seeking moisture and a higher nitrogen content. As these roots grow and sprout more tendrils, it’s not uncommon for contaminants within the pipes to get caught in the root networks and worsen your clogging problem. If these roots are left to grow and continue to expand within the pipe, there is serious risk of the cracks enlarging and eventually causing the pipe to collapse.

When the slow drainage issue seems to be isolated to one fixture, it may be that you’re dealing with a pipe blockage that needs to be unclogged. Our Red Seal certified plumbers can quickly and accurately locate the source of your problem through our drain inspection and cleaning process, restoring your drains to proper working order.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these common drainage problems as the seasons change, contact us to set up a service visit and let one of our plumbing professionals get your pipes and drains working smoothly again. We serve the Southern Vancouver Island area from Nanaimo to Victoria, and our certified tradespeople are happy to help you solve all of your drainage and plumbing issues. All of our plumbing repair services are backed by a quality guarantee so you can rest assured that the job will be done right, every time!