Warmer, Wetter Weather Can Cause Your Pipes to Spring a Leak

An undetected leak is a costly problem – runaway bills and water damage can become a homeowner’s nightmare when leaks are not discovered early on or are inadequately repaired.

You might be surprised to learn that a leaky pipe is not exclusively a cold-weather plumbing problem; it is possible for pipes to burst year round and there are a number of other factors that might be responsible for water leaks in your home. If frozen pipes are not the culprit of a troublesome leak, do you know what could be behind this stressful plumbing issue?

 

Water Main Leaks

As temperatures rise and the ground begins to expand, this changing pressure on the pipes can create a hole or crack at weak points in the main. If you notice puddling of water, a hissing or banging noise coming from the pipes, water damage on your walls or ceiling, discoloured water, or an unexpected spike in your bill, a water main leak might be the cause.

Soggy Soil

The west coast receives an exceptional amount of rain through the winter and into the springtime – the areas around Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo see high levels of rainfall which ultimately creates very soggy soil. While all of this precipitation makes our environment more lush and full of new growth, it can also create some plumbing problems. Heavy rains make soil around the house soggy, and buried plumbing can be affected by this pressure and movement, resulting in ruptured pipes inside your home.

Leaky Toilets

There are a number of causes behind leaky toilets and this is a common plumbing issue that many homeowners have experienced at some point. Left unchecked, a leaky toilet can spike your water bill and damage your flooring. Early leak detection can prevent major headaches in the future! 

Invasive Tree Roots

Tree roots experience the most growth during spring and naturally seek the higher nitrogen content and moisture within outdoor pipes; Vancouver Island has one the rainiest climates in Canada, and the extra moisture and warmer temperatures in spring cause roots to grow quickly this time of year. These roots will move toward cracks and pinhole leaks in our pipes and can create major problems if they’re able to force their way through. These invasive roots will typically favour sewage lines, which can lead to broken bathroom pipes.

Rusty Pipes

Metal pipes are susceptible to rusting with the increased rainfall and warmer temperatures in the Cowichan Valley through the winter and spring. This process creates greater vulnerability to pressure changes in our pipes, resulting in leaks and possibly even causing them to burst.

Wasted water is not only an issue of expense, but also a matter of consumer responsibility; the shortage of clean and safe water is a real problem on a global scale. According to the UN, “water use has been growing globally at more than twice the rate of population increase in the last century, and an increasing number of regions are reaching the limit at which water services can be sustainably delivered.” Ensuring that we’re not wasting this valuable resource through untreated leaks in our home is one way we can all do our part to address water scarcity. World Water Day takes place on March 22, and the theme of valuing water is not only practical and cost-effective, but also socially responsible in managing this critical resource.

Don’t let a pesky leak put a damper on your spring plans – with a bit of preparedness and quick action once you notice the problem, you can minimize the damage to your home and avoid draining your bank account with an out-of-control water bill. Whether your leak is apparent or suspected due to unusual usage, our certified Red Seal plumbers are experts in locating and repairing water leaks. We can locate most leaks from above ground, alleviating time-consuming and frustrating “blind” digs.

The certified tradespeople at Veridis are highly knowledgeable in leak detection technology, utilizing the Phyn Plus leak detector to monitor and manage water usage in your home in real time. Contact us today to book an installation service and stop worrying about hidden water leaks in your home!