Plumbing Problems to Watch for as the Weather Warms Up

Spring in Michigan is a welcome change after months of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. But as the temperatures rise and everything begins to thaw, your plumbing system might be facing issues you didn’t even know were there.

At Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing, spring is one of the busiest times of year for plumbing calls—and for good reason.

Winter can be tough on your pipes, and the transition to warmer weather often reveals hidden damage or wear. A proactive plumbing inspection and a little know-how can save you from water damage, expensive repairs, and springtime headaches.

The Freeze-and-Thaw Effect

Water in your pipes can freeze and expand during the winter, especially in uninsulated areas like basements, garages, or crawlspaces. While you might not notice a problem during the colder months, those tiny cracks or weak points from winter stress often begin to leak once the pipes thaw out in spring.

This is the time to do a quick inspection around your Clinton Township, MI, home. Check under sinks, near your water heater, and anywhere plumbing is exposed. Look for puddles, moisture, rust, or mold—any of which could be signs of a hidden leak.

Sump Pump Season Is Here

If you’ve ever had water in your basement, you know how critical a working sump pump is during spring. As the snow melts and spring storms roll in, your sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against flooding. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize their sump pump isn’t working until it’s too late.

Before the heavy rain arrives, test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. It should activate immediately and start pumping water out. If it doesn’t, or if it runs slowly or makes odd noises, it’s time for a tune-up or possibly a replacement.

Remember to check the backup system too. Whether it’s battery-powered or water-powered, your backup pump should be ready in case the power goes out during a storm.

Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs

One of the most common spring plumbing issues involves outdoor spigots. If they weren’t properly winterized, they may have frozen and cracked during the winter. When you turn the water back on in the spring, those cracks can cause leaks, sometimes inside your walls.

To test, turn on the hose bib slowly and check both the faucet and inside the basement wall behind it for any dripping or pooling water. If you see anything unusual, turn it off immediately and call a plumber.

Sewer Lines and Tree Roots

As trees wake up in the spring, so do their roots—and they’re on the hunt for water. Older or cracked sewer lines can be especially vulnerable to root infiltration. If your drains are slow, you hear gurgling sounds, or you smell sewage around your Clinton Township, MI, yard or basement, it could mean roots are clogging your system.

Great Dane offers video camera inspections to locate blockages and assess your sewer line’s health before a full backup occurs.

Water Heater Woes

Spring is also a great time to check in on your water heater. After working hard all winter, it might be due for a flush, inspection, or repair. Look for signs like rust-colored water, popping noises, or a drop in hot water supply. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your water heater and improve its efficiency.

Don’t Let Spring Showers Turn Into Indoor Floods

A quick plumbing inspection of your home in Clinton Township, MI, now can save you a ton of stress later. At Great Dane, our licensed plumbers are here to help you get ahead of any springtime surprises. Whether you need a sump pump check, pipe repair, or a full system inspection, we’ve got you covered.

Call Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing today at 586.209.2790 or request service online to schedule your spring plumbing service. Peace of mind starts with proactive care.