Burst pipes
If pipes freeze during winter, you might not notice until the temperature rises and the ice melts. Leaks can be small or they can be so extensive that you experience a pressure drop in your water supply. Ensure that pipes in your home are well insulated to minimize the risk of freezing and subsequent damage from a burst or leaking pipe.
Blocked sewer pipes
In the spring, trees start spreading their roots. These roots can grow into your pipes, blocking them. Take precautions to prevent this from happening by removing or relocating trees that can pose a problem. If this is not possible, talk to a professional about the possibility of re-routing your buried sewer pipes.
Blocked gutters
When snow melts, it carries bits of debris and the previous fall’s leaves with it. These can accumulate in storm drain systems and gutters, causing them to overflow. To minimize the possibility of this happening to you, keep your yard clean, clearing leaves before the snow falls. Gutters may also be blocked with ice that hasn’t melted. If this is the case, you may need to manually clear ice to ensure that rain water and melted snow have somewhere to go.
Flooding
Spring flooding can be caused by ground that’s still frozen. Water from a heavy rainfall will have nowhere to go if there is ice in the ground, accumulating enough to cause a flood. There is nothing you can do about a frozen ground, but you can ensure that there is a path to the storm system to reduce the accumulation of water. You can also make sure your sump pump is in good working order to protect your home.
Damage to buried piping
As the temperature rises and falls, the ground expands and contracts. While pipes have some flexibility, they can still break, crack or leak as a result of this movement. You might have a sudden drop in pressure or notice that your sewage is backing up. If this is the cause, you’ll need a professional to replace the portion of damaged pipe. If this is a recurring problem, you may need to consider replacing your buried piping with another material that can withstand the shifts caused by temperature fluctuations.
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