Spring Thaw: How to Inspect Your Plumbing System for Winter Damage

As the chill of winter gives way to warmer spring temperatures, snow and ice start to melt, breathing life back into the surroundings. For homeowners, however, this magical transformation also signals the need to brace for potential maintenance issues that might have arisen during winter. One such crucial area to explore is your plumbing system.

At Kemble Brothers Plumbing, we understand the toll winter can take on your water supply and drainage system. We don't just mend the leaks, but we also empower homeowners with vital knowledge about timely maintenance and checks. With over 21 years of service in Colorado, we invite you to leverage our expertise in preventing costly plumbing repairs. This blog post will walk you through how to inspect your plumbing system for winter damage, and what signs to look out for during the spring thaw.

Visible Exterior Inspection

Start with a cursory inspection of your home's exterior. Look for any leaks, bulges, or cracks in the exposed pipes or hose bibs. Frost, freezing, and thaws can cause these pipes to crack or burst.

Interior Plumbing Check

Inspect your indoor pipes, especially in cold spots like unheated basements or crawl spaces. Check the pipes for any visible leaks or water damage. If you find dampness or mildew around the pipes, it may suggest a slow leak that started during winter.

Inspect Faucets and Showers

Test all your faucets and showers to see how well they are operating. Once you open them, water should flow freely without any sputtering. If water sputters out, it might signify there's still some frost within the pipes, or worse, a leak.

Check Drainage System

Your drainage system can suffer greatly due to ground freezing and thawing during winter. During springtime, check for slow drainage, sewer gas odors, or gurgling sounds as these symptoms often denote blockages or breakages in the sewer line.

Water Heater Inspection

Your water heater works overtime during the cold months. Therefore, during your spring thaw inspection, check the heater for any signs of leakage, rust, or sediment buildup. A quick flush can get rid of sediment and ensure your tank runs efficiently.

Look Out for Green Patches

Check your yard for unusually green or damp patches of grass. This could suggest a leak in your sewer line. In this case, professional help from Kemble Brothers Plumbing is required.

Seek Professional Help

While these tips can guide your preliminary plumbing inspection, there's no replacement for a professional eye that can spot hidden leaks, detect issues far before they become a problem, and reassess the entire plumbing system. Hiring professional plumbers who are skilled in handling spring thaw checks can save you a lot of money in the long run by avoiding expensive repairs.

Take Action Now

The spring thaw period is the ideal time for homeowners to be proactive about their plumbing system inspections. Being attentive to possible signs of damage can save you from running into more serious plumbing issues down the road.

If you spot any unusual signs or are unsure about anything during your inspection, don’t hesitate to call the professionals. At Kemble Brothers Plumbing, we are experienced at identifying and repairing winter damages during the spring thaw. We are always ready to safeguard your plumbing system and ensure that it remains in the best possible condition. Our team is on standby, eagerly waiting for your call. Contact us today for all your spring thaw plumbing checks and enjoy our reliable, prompt, and high-quality service.