Why Pipes Spring a Leak in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time of year in Ottawa. We can enjoy longer days and warmer temperatures — and the anticipation of summer just around the corner.

However, spring is also a time when pipes that were frozen during the winter start to leak. Issues that have been quietly growing during the winter months make themselves known and require quick action from homeowners in order to avoid further damage.

Without attention and maintenance, waterlines are vulnerable to freezing through the cold Ottawa winter — and as warmer weather sets in then frozen pipes can expand, crack, and begin to leak.

With a little bit of knowledge and proactive maintenance, you can avoid a springtime headache and stay ahead of potential problems. Read on for more information and tips!

Don’t Wait Until the Thaw

It’s a myth that frozen pipes will simply fix themselves as warmer temperatures set in. In fact, the thaw can be the time when existing issues begin to get worse. Homeowners can avoid stress by taking it upon themselves to check waterlines thoroughly during the winter — including in less accessible spaces in the home such as crawl spaces or basements. Some signs of issues include ice buildup, pooling water, or small leaks. Catching the problem in the early stages and either fixing it yourself or bringing in a plumbing professional will avoid large and costly problems down the road!

Small Leaks Lead to Bigger Leaks

It doesn’t take long for a small, seemly insignificant leak to turn into a big problem. Melting ice can cause a build up of pressure and lead to causing a burst pipe. Leaks reveal a weak point in the piping, and fixing these proactively reduces the changes of a more catastrophic event in the future.

Listen to the Sound of Rushing Water

During the springtime thaw, it can be common to hear ice moving through your pipes. This is the right time to make sure that ice doesn’t lodge in a bend in the piping. Ice blocking the pipeline can lead to a build up in pressure and, over time, a rupture. Listen to the sound of water flowing through the system and make sure that everything is functioning as expected.

Take Action Quickly

When there is a risk of water damage, it’s crucial to take action quickly. A burst pipe or other critical issue involving water can suddenly create a significant amount of damage in your home. Besides the immediate problem of destroyed property due to water, long term issues like unpleasant odours, structural problems, and mould can also cause headaches for years to come — not to mention the negative impact to property value. Preventative maintenance is the best way to stop a problem long before it ever happens.

Give us a call!

If you have concerns about the plumbing in your home or business, or if you’re looking for other types of support through seasonal transitions, reach out to us today! We’ve helped hundreds of Ottawa homeowners avoid water disasters with preventative maintenance.

Call us today at (613) 489-0120.