How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Plumbing and What You Can Do About It

Plumbing systems are directly impacted by seasonal changes—from freezing temperatures in winter to heavy rainfall in spring and high water demand in summer. As a home or business owner in Watertown, Beaver Dam, or Oconomowoc, understanding how seasonal shifts affect your plumbing can help you prevent costly repairs and keep your system running smoothly year-round.

In this blog, we’ll explore how each season impacts your plumbing and provide expert tips on protecting your pipes, drains, and fixtures.

Winter: Preventing Frozen & Burst Pipes

Wisconsin winters bring sub-zero temperatures, increasing the risk of frozen and burst pipes. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, causing cracks or full pipe bursts, leading to water damage and costly repairs.

🚨 Common Winter Plumbing Problems:

• Frozen pipes in exterior walls, basements, and crawl spaces
• Burst pipes causing water leaks and flooding
• Water heater strain due to increased demand for hot water

💡 Winter Plumbing Tips:
✅ Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
✅ Keep the heat on, especially in unoccupied buildings.
✅ Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
✅ Drain outdoor faucets and shut off exterior water lines before winter.

🔧 Emergency Tip: If your pipes freeze, turn off the main water supply and call Brisc Plumbing immediately!

Spring: Preventing Basement Flooding & Drain Clogs

Spring brings heavy rainfall and melting snow, which can put your plumbing system under stress. Clogged gutters, blocked drains, and saturated soil can cause basement flooding and sewer backups.

🚨 Common Spring Plumbing Issues:

• Basement flooding due to poor drainage
• Tree roots invading underground sewer lines
• Slow drains due to debris buildup from winter

💡 Spring Plumbing Tips:
✅ Test your sump pump to ensure it’s working before heavy rains arrive.
✅ Schedule a professional drain cleaning to remove winter buildup.
✅ Inspect outdoor plumbing for winter damage.
✅ Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water pooling near foundations.

🔧 Preventative Tip: If your basement has flooded in the past, consider installing a backwater valve or sump pump with a backup battery system.

Summer: Preventing Overloaded Sewer Systems & Water Heater Failures

Summer means higher water usage, from watering lawns and filling pools to increased demand in commercial buildings. Older plumbing systems may struggle to keep up, leading to low water pressure, sewer line backups, and water heater failures.

🚨 Common Summer Plumbing Issues:

• Low water pressure due to increased municipal water use.
• Sewer line backups caused by tree root growth.
• Water heater failure due to high demand.

💡 Summer Plumbing Tips:
✅ Check for leaks in outdoor spigots, hoses, and irrigation systems.
✅ Schedule a sewer camera inspection to check for root blockages.
✅ Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup.
✅ Use water-efficient fixtures to reduce summer water bills.

🔧 Expert Advice: If your water pressure drops suddenly, it may be due to a hidden leak or municipal water restrictions—contact Brisc Plumbing for an inspection.

Fall: Preparing Your Plumbing for Cold Weather

Fall is the best time to prepare your plumbing for winter. Taking preventative steps in September and October can help you avoid costly winter plumbing disasters.

🚨 Common Fall Plumbing Problems:

• Blocked gutters leading to roof leaks and ice dams.
• Outdoor pipes freezing early due to unexpected cold snaps.
• Cracked or deteriorating pipes from summer wear and tear.

💡 Fall Plumbing Tips:
✅ Inspect and clean your gutters to prevent winter ice buildup.
✅ Drain and store garden hoses before temperatures drop.
✅ Schedule a professional plumbing inspection before winter.
✅ Seal any air leaks near pipes to keep them from freezing.

🔧 Pro Tip: Now is the time to replace aging pipes and fixtures to avoid winter failures.

Why Preventative Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance Matters

Each season presents unique challenges for your plumbing system. Skipping preventative maintenance can lead to:
❌ Costly emergency repairs
❌ Structural damage to your property
❌ Business disruptions from unexpected plumbing failures

💡 A little preparation goes a long way! Regular inspections and seasonal plumbing adjustments can save you time, money, and stress.

Schedule Seasonal Plumbing Maintenance with Brisc Plumbing

Whether you need winter pipe insulation, a spring sump pump check, summer sewer line maintenance, or fall plumbing prep, Brisc Plumbing has you covered!

We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in Watertown, Beaver Dam, and Oconomowoc to keep your plumbing system running year-round.