Pennsylvania’s Spring Thaw Can Lead to Plumbing Issues

The long-awaited spring thaw means that Harrisburg has finally escaped winter’s icy grip and embraced the welcome warmth of spring.

Although most Pennsylvania homeowners welcome this seasonal shift, it can be a source of stress for your home’s plumbing system. Melting ice and the thawing ground can create new challenges for your home drains and pipes. 

At HL Bowman, we want to ensure you are not caught off guard by spring plumbing pitfalls. We are here for you whether you need drain repair, pipe replacement, or a plumbing inspection in your Harrisburg, home. 

Underground Sewer Leaks in Central Pennsylvania

Winter demands a lot from your plumbing. For example, freezing temperatures cause water expansion, which can put pressure on your pipes. During the spring thaw, the ground warms, contracts, and shifts as temperatures rise. The shifting ground can stress underground water and sewer lines.

Over time, continued pressure can lead to cracks or broken pipes. 

How do you know if your underground pipes are leaking? Keep an eye out for unexplained depression or soft spots in your yard. Check the area around your water meter or where your main water and sewer lines enter your home.

If you know roughly where the pipes run underground from your home to the municipal water and sewer mains main sewer, follow the path and look for soft spots and dips in the ground. 

You might also notice a sudden decrease in water pressure or dampness in your lawn, even when it has not rained recently. These could be signs of a leak in your underground pipes. 

Stressed Pipes

During the spring thaw in Central Pennsylvania, all that snow and ice must go somewhere. As they melt, the increased volume of water seeping into the ground can significantly raise the water table. This increased groundwater can pressure your home’s foundation and underground plumbing.

This added pressure can turn small cracks in your pipes into full-blown leaks. You might notice damp spots or even standing water in your basement, especially along the walls or where the floor meets the foundation.

Another red flag is the musty smell that sometimes accompanies a damp basement.

Weakened Pipe Joints

Early spring temperature fluctuations—sunny days and cold nights—can cause your pipes to expand and contract. 

Although your plumbing can handle some movement, repeated cycles of expansion and contraction can weaken joints, especially in older plumbing systems. Stressed joints and connections can lead to leaks. 

Look for drips or puddles around exposed pipes. Check joints and connections for moisture. Listen for unusual sounds, such as banging or whistling, coming from your pipes. They could signal changes in water pressure or flow from expansion and contraction.

Flooded Basements

Even if your plumbing does not leak, the combination of melting snow and increased groundwater leads to basement flooding in some Dauphin County homes. Water can significantly damage your property, requiring cleanup and effort to prevent mold growth.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), removing standing water from your home is crucial to prevent mold, which can trigger allergic responses. The Agency notes that mold growth can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.

Acting on early warning signs is key to preventing water damage. Look for dampness, puddling, and a musty odor in your basement. Do not ignore water stains on walls or floors. These are clues that moisture is present and could escalate into a bigger problem.

If your basement regularly collects water when it rains and the groundwater increases, it might benefit from a sump pump, which moves excess water away from your home’s foundation.

Our qualified plumbers at HL Bowman can assess your property and determine if a sump pump is the best solution for your home. 

Prevent Spring Thaw Disasters

You can avoid some plumbing problems by paying attention to your system and being proactive when encountering red flags. Here are a few recommendations: 

• Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts, which are essential to your home’s drainage system. Blockages can interfere with their ability to direct water away from your home’s foundation.

• Inspect Your Foundation: Look for cracks and signs of water seeping into your basement. 

• Water Pressure: Monitor water pressure for fluctuations in pressure. Our experts at HL Bowman can quickly diagnose the cause and recommend effective solutions.

• Monitor Your Yard: Look for unusual wet spots, depressions, or other changes in the ground.  

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Spring maintenance is the best way to ensure your plumbing is in shape for summer. During a plumbing inspection, we thoroughly assess your system, identify potential vulnerabilities, and address them before they become more significant problems.

Consider selecting one of our service plans to help system maintenance stay on track.  Our Maintenance Value Plans offer precision tune-ups, discounted fees, priority service, free inspections, and many other benefits. 

Make Plumbing a Priority Today!

Don’t let melting snow and shifting soil damage the plumbing in your Harrisburg, PA, home. Let HL Bowman help you enjoy a worry-free spring and summer. Call us at 717-287-5504 or request service online.