Summer brings with it ample opportunities to enjoy everything Florida has to offer, such as the beach, pools, picnics, and outdoor sports. However, along with summer comes hurricane season. Not only do storms and heavy rain bode ill for our outdoor activities, but they can also damage the pipes in our plumbing systems.
To help you identify storm-related issues with your pipes, Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. has compiled a handy list of common summertime plumbing issues and how to identify them. If you experience any of these, contact our Gainesville plumbers right away!
Increased Pressure
Flooding and poor drainage can cause water to accumulate during heavy summer storms, putting pressure on the pipes. With enough pressure, the pipes may eventually break. Even worse, when the sand and dirt surrounding the pipes absorb enough rainwater, the ground becomes heavier, which further exacerbates the issue. Most modern plumbing systems are built to withstand this type of increased pressure, but older homes are likely to use outdated systems that are more susceptible to damage.
Blocked & Clogged Pipes
If you have any clogged pipes or blocked drains, your plumbing system is likely to get backed up during or following a storm. Left unattended, the backed up water can seep into your home’s foundation, causing serious property damage. While cracked and broken pipes are the most likely cause for blockage, tree roots growing through your pipes can also be an issue. If you notice the toilet bowl filling up after an empty flush or the shower draining slower, it could be due to pipe blockage.
Shifting Ground
Excessive rain softens the dirt or sand that the pipes are buried under, causing them to shift. This shifting can lead to pipes moving out of place when the ground hardens again, creating even more pressure on the system. When pipes are contorted into shapes that they weren’t designed for, they can crack or break entirely.
Contaminated Tap Water
As the pressure increases on the pipes from rainfall and shifting ground, they can start to crack and ultimately break. Cracked and broken pipes can lead to complex issues if not resolved quickly. If you notice discoloration, grit, or other debris coming out of your faucets after a storm, you should shut off your water immediately and call a professional plumber right away. Otherwise, you risk the pipes becoming clogged, leading to more damage.
How Plumbers In Gainesville, FL, Can Help
The number one thing to do to stave off issues is to make sure that the plumbing is up-to-date, even if that requires repiping. Make sure that plumbing repairs are addressed before the rainy season starts. Also, know where your pipes are located outdoors before planting any trees to avoid creating issues later down the road. And of course, for all of your plumbing needs, trust the experts at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc.!