Plumbing Protections for Spring Thaw

Preventing Leaks, Clogs & Backups in Your Minneapolis-St. Paul Home

With average winter lows hovering at just 10 degrees F, spring is a season that many look forward to in the Twin Cities area as they can finally enjoy some warmer weather. However, the transition from winter to spring — known as the spring thaw — can have serious consequences for your plumbing system as snow and ice melt away.

In this blog post, the plumbing experts at Dean’s Home Services explain what the spring thaw is, how it can damage your plumbing, and what you can do to keep your system protected as the seasons change.

What Is Spring Thaw?

Each year as the seasons change from winter to spring and snow and ice melt away, this is what’s known as the spring thaw. When snow and ice melt, the water this creates increases the flow of water throughout your property and its plumbing systems. Rising water levels around your landscape can impact many different plumbing components, including your drainage systems, sewer lines, and water heaters. This is why it’s so important for homeowners to be prepared with the proper prevention techniques.

How Does the Spring Thaw Impact My Plumbing System?

The spring thaw can damage your plumbing system in many different ways. First, as snow and ice melt into water, the extra flow of water throughout your landscape can end up seeping into your basement, crawl space, or even your foundation, leading to severe water and structural damage to your property.

Moreover, the flow of water can place a strain on your plumbing system, causing severe issues such as leaks, clogs, and sewage backups. As frozen pipes thaw out, they may also be at risk of bursting, which can lead to significant water damage as well as damage to other plumbing components. Thankfully, there are plenty of steps that property owners can take to prevent these issues from negatively impacting their plumbing systems during the spring thaw.

10 Tips for Protecting Your Plumbing Against the Spring Thaw

As you prepare for the warmer season, consider implementing the following protective measures to mitigate damage to your plumbing system this spring:

• Check drainpipes and gutters: Ensure your drainpipes and gutters are free of snow and ice buildup that can keep water from flowing from your property.
• Clear out your basement: Even if you have a sump pump, clearing out your basement can help keep your personal belongings protected if water gets in.
• Examine your property’s foundation: Inspect your foundation for signs of cracks, leaks, or holes that can be easily compromised by water infiltration.
• Install a sump pump: If your property is prone to flooding, consider having a sump pump installed to clear out water from your basement and crawl spaces.
• Have a plumber’s info: In case of an emergency, be sure to have your trusted plumber’s information handy so you can call for immediate assistance.
• Inspect the ground level: Check to see if the ground level of your landscape is more prone to having water flow toward your home rather than away from it.
• Inspect your plumbing system: Carefully inspect your pipes, valves, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures for signs of leaks, cracks, deterioration, or mold growth.
• Install a backflow valve: Investing in a backflow valve can help keep wastewater from backing up into your plumbing fixtures.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Severe leaks may require you to shut off power and water, so stock up on water, food, and other emergency items.
• Remove snow and ice: Create a perimeter around your property that’s free of snow and ice to prevent water from seeping into your foundation.

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection With Dean’s Home Services

One of the best ways you can keep your plumbing system protected from the spring thaw is by scheduling a professional inspection with the experts at Dean’s Home Services. For nearly 30 years, our plumbing professionals have helped keep Minneapolis and St. Paul families safe with our exceptional range of top-quality plumbing solutions. From our same-day service availability to our comprehensive plumbing system inspections, we go above and beyond to ensure your equipment remains fully operational.

Call our team at 763-515-4852 to request a plumbing inspection in the Twin Cities area.