How Seasonal Changes Can Impact Your Plumbing System
Seasonal changes can significantly impact your home’s plumbing system. Cold winter weather can cause exposed pipes to freeze and burst, potentially causing significant damage. To ready your plumbing system for seasonal changes:
Hotter summer temperatures can put extra pressure on your hot water heater system, increasing energy bills and the risk of leaks or failure.
- Clear gutters and downpipes to prevent blocked drains and flooding before wet weather ensues.
- Trim back trees and shrubs near drainage pipes to discourage root invasion
- Check plumbing for signs of leaks or damage after extreme weather
- Get your pipework inspected with a drain camera to identify issues early
Relining existing pipes is often the best solution for preventing seasonal plumbing disasters without the major disruption of full pipe replacement.
The epoxy resin coating effectively seals damages such as root invasions and general wear from weathering. Should you detect any changes to your plumbing following storms or temperature shifts, contacting our team for an assessment is advisable. Addressing problems promptly is key to avoiding major pipe failures down the line.
Increased Rain And Soil Moisture In Winter
Periods of heavy rainfall during winter can lead to increased soil moisture and flooding issues that affect drainage systems. With Sydney expecting a 30% increase in precipitation due to the La Niña weather pattern, there’s a heightened need for pipe relining this winter. When soil becomes wetter, it causes tree roots to grow more aggressively as they search for moisture, leading them to invade and obstruct sewer pipes.
Tree root invasions are responsible for approximately three-quarters of winter blockages in sewer and stormwater systems.
Higher soil moisture also increases the risk of ground movement and shifts that can crack underground drainage pipes. Leaks allow root intrusions as well as contamination from soil and storm water. The susceptibility to ground shifts is notably higher in areas with clay soils.
When preparing your sewer line and plumbing system for winter:
- Inspect the ground around your pipes for signs of movement or new cracks
- Check downpipes and gutters are clear to prevent flooding
- Use a drain camera to identify root invasions or leaks early, especially in critical areas like your toilet
- Consider pipe relining to reinforce them and mitigate damage.
Relining your sewer pipe seals cracks and gaps vulnerable to root infiltration. The structural reinforcement also stabilises pipes against ground movement, preventing further cracks. Contact our team if you notice any stormwater or sewer issues this winter. We can advise on suitable repair, maintenance or relining solutions.
Root Growth In Spring And Summer
The warmer temperatures and increased moisture in spring and summer cause tree roots to grow more rapidly as they seek out water sources. From March to August, root intrusions through small cracks and pipe joints are among the primary reasons for sewer functionality issues and blockages.
Adopt the following preventative plumbing measures:
- Having pipes inspected in early spring to identify potential root infiltration issues
- Installing root barriers around drainage pipes
- Cutting back vegetation with invasive root systems
- Considering pipe relining which seals off gaps vulnerable to root intrusions
Relining pipes is the most effective long term solution as it reinforces pipes against future root damage without needing to dig up and replace pipes.
The structural epoxy resin seals cracks and fills gaps around joints, providing a protective barrier against root growth.
If you suspect root blockages due to seasonal drainage issues or reduced flow, utilise our team’s expertise for inspection and intervention. Our expertise can help inspect pipes with CCTV cameras and recommend suitable repair, maintenance or relining solutions. Taking prompt action minimises property damage from leaks or pipe bursts.
Pipe Freezing And Bursting In Colder Weather
During winter, water in exposed pipes may freeze and expand, causing them to potentially crack or burst. As the new season approaches, the Bureau of Meteorology reports Sydney experiences an average of 3.4 days below 2°C each winter. Prolonged freezing conditions significantly increase the risk of frozen and burst pipes.
To safeguard your garden’s water pipes from freezing and potential damage:
- Insulate outdoor taps and pipes most vulnerable to cold
- Seal gaps and cracks in windows near plumbing
- Allow indoor taps to drip during extreme cold to relieve pressure
- Know how to shut-off water in an emergency
- Consider relining or replacing ageing, broken pipes or damaged pipework
Relining pipes provides an extra layer of insulation against both hot and cold conditions. The epoxy resin also seals existing cracks and damage from wear and tear that makes pipes prone to freezing. Compared to replacing pipes, relining is a fraction of the cost and causes less disruption to walls, floors and landscaping.
Contact our team about relining your pipes before winter or if you experience any loss of water flow or pressure due to frozen or burst pipes. We can also provide emergency plumbing repairs to restore function and prevent water damage.
Scheduling Pipe Relining Services
When scheduling pipe relining services, it’s best to arrange for inspections and repairs during spring or early summer before peak season. Preemptively relining pipes before the onset of colder months adds insulation and waterproofing, reducing the risk of seasonal damage.
This ensures any issues are identified and addressed promptly, avoiding emergency callouts over winter.
Pipe relining provides numerous key benefits, ensuring comprehensive protection of your plumbing:
- Minimal property disruption - Scheduling works alongside other renovations or landscaping projects can avert issues due to wet ground conditions.
- Quick drain restoration - Sealing off any root infiltrations, cracks or leaks ensures optimised flow ahead of high-demand periods.
- Cost savings - Emergency winter callouts typically cost 60-100% more due to higher material expenses and overtime rates.
We conduct CCTV pipe inspections to pinpoint damage, allowing us to tailor-fit epoxy resin liners to your plumbing system. We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services if you experience any sudden loss of water flow or pressure.
Scheduling pipe maintenance between September and November is ideal to avoid peak-season rush.
Benefits Of Pipe Relining
Pipe relining provides a range of advantages over traditional pipe replacement:
- Cost-effective - Pipe relining is generally 60% more affordable than complete pipe replacement.
- Minimal disruption - Pipe repairs can be conducted without the need dig trenches or damage walls/floors of your home
- Long lifespan - Relined pipes last around 50 years vs 15-20 years for standard pipes
- Improved flows - Smoother internal surface reduces blockages and optimises drainage
- Added insulation - Epoxy layer helps maintain water temperature and prevent freezing
- Environmentally friendly - Uses existing pipes so less waste and carbon emissions
- Structural reinforcement - Strengthens pipes against ground movement or root damage
- Prevents future problems - Seals cracks and gaps vulnerable to leaks or blockages
- Fast installation - Cured in place so pipes are usable within 24 hours
Unlike laying new pipe with traditional replacement, relining doesn’t require digging under your yard or home to access pipes. The flexible epoxy resin liner is fed through the existing pipe to coat it internally for a smooth, sealed finish.
Leverage our extensive expertise to explore pipe relining options for ageing or damaged pipes.
Preparing Pipes For Seasonal Changes
To prepare your plumbing pipes for seasonal changes:
- Inspect if pipes need repair or maintenance in early spring for signs of root intrusions, leaks, cracks, or other damage
- Insulate exposed water pipes before winter to prevent freezing
- Clear gutters and drainpipes before wet weather to prevent flooding
- Trim back trees and vegetation near sewer pipes to discourage root damage and to look out for potential invasions
- Schedule any necessary pipe repair work, maintenance or relining during spring/summer to avoid winter emergencies
Trenchless pipe relining in advance of seasonal changes provides extra insulation and waterproofing. The epoxy resin seals existing cracks and gaps vulnerable to root infiltrations, soil movement, freezing temperatures, and other seasonal damage. Compared to pipe replacement, relining causes less property disruption and restores function at a fraction of the cost.
Reach out to our team should you encounter plumbing issues due to changing weather or soil conditions. We can inspect drainage systems and your water supply pipes using CCTV cameras. Our expert technicians will advise you if repairs, maintenance, or you’ll need to replace aging sections to prevent problems down the line.
Inspecting And Maintaining Sewer Systems
Consistent inspection and maintenance are essential to prevent seasonal sewer dilemmas. Sewer pipes are vulnerable to root intrusions, cracks, leaks, and blockages which intensify during extreme weather. We recommend getting your sewer pipes professionally inspected before winter to identify and address any damage.
During sewer inspections, we employ CCTV cameras to check pipes for:
- Root infiltration - Roots growing into pipe joints or cracks
- Pipe misalignments or breakages
- Build up of fat, dirt and waste causing blockages
- Cracks or leaks allowing water infiltration
After presenting a detailed report, we’ll conduct pipe assessments and recommend necessary repairs or maintenance for your sewers. Our typical recommendations involve:
- High pressure drain cleaning to remove debris and fats
- Cutting invasive tree roots with specialised equipment
- Repairing a relined section of pipe caused by ground movement or tree roots
- Sealing cracks and leaks to prevent water infiltration
- Relining pipes to reinforce them against further damage
Pipe relining offers long-term protection through the application of a smooth inner epoxy layer, sealing any cracks and gaps effectively. This helps water flow freely while keeping out roots and contaminants. Compared to replacement, relining causes less disruption and restores function at a fraction of the cost.
Implementing Drainage Solutions
Implementing effective drainage solutions is crucial for preventing seasonal plumbing problems. Here are some key measures to improve drainage and reduce risk:
Install Backflow Prevention Valves
Backflow valves prevent sewage or floodwaters from backing up into your home through drain pipes. They are essential safeguards during heavy rain or sewer main overflow events.
Increase Pipe Gradient
Enhancing pipe gradients ensures your washing machine drain copes with seasonal water volume fluctuations. This can be achieved through pipe relining to correct inadequate installation.
Install Sump Pumps
Sump pump systems mitigate water damage by removing pooling storm or groundwater before it can seep into foundations or surrounding soils. They provide protection against water damage.
Upgrade Gutters and Drainage
Enlarging gutters and downpipes allows faster drainage preventing overflow issues during intense rain. Installing leaf guards also reduces debris build up.
Pipe Relining
Relining pipes provides all-weather protection by sealing cracks and gaps vulnerable to water infiltration or root intrusions. The epoxy barrier keeps out contaminants while optimising drainage flow.
Contact our team if you need drainage system repairs, upgrades or relining. We can inspect problem areas using CCTV cameras and provide suitable solutions to improve drainage capacity.