April Showers Bring… Plumbing Issues?

During the spring months and especially April (as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.)” heavy rains can have an effect on the plumbing of a house. The overall plumbing system can be seriously affected by heavy rainfall. The soil around the pipes will become overly saturated with water which can cause a variety of issues.

The soil could become so heavy and laden down that the pipes crack under the pressure, especially if they are already weak. They could also be shifted and moved around as the soil softens from rainfall and can shift in large sections. In this article, an overview is given of the plumbing complications and issues that can arise during April and other spring months with heavy rainfall.

Saturated Soil Is Dangerous for the Plumbing System

When the soil becomes too saturated is when many problems will arise. The saturation of the soil with water from rain causes it to be heavier and softer.

As the soil is absorbing the water it becomes heavier and heavier, and eventually, the weight of the mud can cause pressure to build in the pipes and even cause a pipe to rupture and break.

If the ground becomes too soft around the pipes and they shift around, it could also cause damage to the plumbing that causes a water backup for the house.

When it rains, there is a chance that rocks and silt could cause further backups if they get into the pipes through the cracks. Signs that there could be a backup in the plumbing is if the shower will not drain or the toilet bowl fills up randomly after a flush.

What Are Slab Leaks and What Causes Them?

A slab leak occurs when leaks under the house are left untreated. Sometimes these leaks go completely unnoticed until it is too late. If there are any leaks in the plumbing it is essential to repair them as soon as possible.

Doing routine maintenance on the plumbing of the home will help homeowners to pinpoint leaks before they get out of hand and cause serious property damage.

The results of a slab leak can be detrimental and include having to pay to fix not only the plumbing, but also the foundation of the home, the floors, and any other part of the home that is negatively affected by the water damage caused by the slab leak. Wet spots and water damage around the house can indicate that there is a slab leak.

Heavy Rain Can Cause Cracked Pipes

If there is too much pressure on the home plumbing system it can cause cracked pipes. Cracked pipes eventually lead to flooding either in the house or under the house, both of which are bad and can cost a lot of money if water damage occurs.

If the pipes are cracked through water pressure from rain, it may be necessary to do prepping. Incorrect installation is a common reason behind plumbing systems leaking or breaking faster than they should, which is why it is important to leave repiping and installation up to the experts.

Additionally, the age of your plumbing could play a role in the damage. If they’re older and already brittle, a spring shower can easily turn into a plumbing emergency. No matter what causes the problem in the first place, it’s important to work with a professional plumbing service company anytime you’re dealing with plumbing issues. Not only will this limit extensive damage, but it will also ensure the job is done right the first time.

About Hall’s Plumbing

The best plumbing services in Woodland, CA come from Hall’s Plumbing. For maintenance, installation, and repairs, the experts at Hall’s Plumbing are knowledgeable, timely, and offer affordable solutions. They are dedicated to the safety and comfort of the community.