After the chill of a cold winter, the arrival of spring is always a welcome sight in Raleigh! But spring also brings an increase in rainfall, which can spell trouble for your home’s plumbing if you’re not careful.
At Weather Master and Mr. Plumber, we see a surge in plumbing service calls every spring, often due to issues caused by heavy rains. Here are some of the most common problems that can arise and what you should watch out for:
Sewer Line Backups
Raleigh’s clay soil absorbs a lot of water during rainy periods. This puts pressure on sewer lines, and if there are any cracks or damage to the pipes, it allows water to seep in. The excess water can overwhelm the sewer line, leading to raw sewage backing up into your home through toilets and drains – not a pretty picture!
Signs of a sewer line backup include multiple drains clogged at once, toilets not flushing properly, and a foul sewage odor.
Sump Pump Failures
If your home has a basement, you likely rely on a sump pump to remove excess water and prevent flooding. Sump pumps get a big workout during the rainy season, and if yours is old or not functioning properly, it may fail right when you need it most.
Standing water in the basement and a sump pump that won’t stop running are signs of trouble. It’s a good idea to test your sump pump before the heavy rains arrive.
Leaky Foundations
Springtime downpours can reveal foundation leaks you may not have noticed before. Persistent moisture in the basement, especially around the walls and near the foundation, often indicate that water is seeping in from outside.
Left unchecked, foundation leaks can cause serious structural damage, so it’s important to have them evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.
Gutter Issues
Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts force rainwater to pool around your foundation rather than draining away from the house. This contributes to leaks, erosion, and soggy patches in the yard. Cleaning the gutters regularly and ensuring downspouts are intact and properly positioned to direct water away from the house are simple ways to prevent these issues.
The best defense against springtime plumbing problems is being proactive! Keeping an eye out for warning signs and performing basic maintenance tasks like checking the sump pump and cleaning gutters goes a long way.
And if you do encounter an issue, call the expert plumbers at Weather Masters right away – we’ll be standing by to tackle any plumbing emergency the rainy season sends your way! Contact us online or call us at (919) 853-7910!