Plumbing Challenges Brought About by April Showers
The saying always goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, it seems whoever said this left out the part about how April showers also bring some very pesky plumbing issues! With spring on the horizon, homeowners must prepare their homes for some major rain.
Spring showers can put people’s homes at risk for significant plumbing issues. It is crucial for homeowners to know what issues to look out for, as these can cause severe damage if not addressed early. Here are three common plumbing issues homeowners should watch out for this spring.
Soaked Soil
It might seem quite obvious to say that excess rain can lead to soaked soil. But what is less apparent is how this impacts home plumbing. The biggest concern homeowners should be worried about is septic system backups.
Septic systems are a critical part of home plumbing since they facilitate the processing of household wastewater. When soil becomes saturated, wastewater cannot properly drain from the septic tank. This can lead to major backups that may find their way into the home’s indoor plumbing fixtures. Not great!
Given that septic systems are mostly underground, these backups can be hard to spot before some nasty symptoms arise. Here are some common signs:
- Foul odors
- Slow draining (toilets, sinks, etc.)
- Water backups (basement)
Septic system backups can also contaminate groundwater and therefore affect the quality of drinking water. Even without a septic system backup, groundwater can be contaminated by flooded soil on its own, as flooding limits the soil’s ability to filter out harmful pathogens in the water.
Leaks in the Foundation
Foundation leaks are another primary concern related to excess rain. Homes are typically built overtop concrete “foundations,” which provide stability to the overall structure. The foundations sit on top of soil, so naturally, excessive rain can affect the stability of the foundation itself. Clearly a cause for concern!
With each new rain, the soil gradually moves and reforms as it constantly fluctuates between saturated and dry states. When the soil reforms, the foundation shifts by microscopic amounts, which places increasing amounts of stress on the structure and can result in foundational leaks over time.
There are several potential signs of foundational leaks, including:
- Dampness or puddles
- Mold
- Obvious foundational cracks or fractures
- Overactive water meter
- Sudden difficulty with opening windows/doors
- Uneven floors
Repairing leaks in the foundation can be a complicated endeavor, so homeowners should seek professional help for identification and repairs.
Damaged Underground Pipes
In addition to causing leaks, shifts in the home foundation due to excess rain can lead to broken underground pipes. This typically happens when the stress buildup is so high that it overwhelms pipes built within the foundation. This can also occur if the pressure of heavy soil overwhelms the pipes running underground.
Homeowners will be able to tell fairly quickly if there is a burst pipe, as the pipes might make strange sounds, water might flow improperly, or water might become discolored. In this case, homeowners should seek immediate professional help.
About Falcon Plumbing
Falcon Plumbing of Miami, FL, is a women-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1986. They provide honest upfront pricing, and their experienced team provides quality solutions with top-notch customer service. Call them for immediate help today!
