San Bernardino might not experience freezing pipes like other places, but our seasonal temperature swings still impact plumbing systems.
That’s because your pipes don’t like change any more than you do. As temperatures shift from the hot summer days to the cooler fall mornings, everything in your plumbing system expands and contracts. That’s when the problems start showing up…
Why Weather Changes Stress Your Plumbing
Here’s what most people don’t realize – pipes are constantly expanding and contracting with temperature changes, even in our relatively mild San Bernardino climate. All that movement puts stress on joints, connections, and older pipes.
During summer, your pipes have been dealing with hot weather and constant AC use. Now that temperatures are fluctuating between warm afternoons and cool mornings, your plumbing system has to adjust constantly. It’s like doing jumping jacks all day…eventually, something’s going to give.
The Usual Suspects: Fall Plumbing Problems
Leaky Pipes and Fittings: Temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract at different rates. That slight movement is often enough to create small leaks at pipe joints, especially in older homes. What starts as a tiny drip can quickly become a significant problem if left unattended.
Even small leaks can cause serious damage that you may not notice until major repairs are needed. That’s why professional leak detection is so important when you suspect a problem.
Water Heater Issues: Your water heater has been working overtime all summer, and seasonal changes can push it over the edge. Sediment buildup, worn heating elements, and aging tanks all become more problematic when the system must adjust to varying demands.
If you’ve been noticing lukewarm showers, unusual noises from your water heater, or higher energy bills, fall is when these issues typically worsen. Sometimes, repair is enough, but older units may need a complete water heater replacement.
Drain Problems and Backups Seasonal transitions often bring heavy rains to Southern California, and San Bernardino is no exception. All that extra water can overwhelm drainage systems that have been collecting debris all summer.
Tree roots are also more active during seasonal changes as they search for water sources. This can cause serious problems with your main sewer line. Professional drain clearing can handle most clogs, but root intrusion might need more aggressive treatment.
Pipe Problems You Can’t See
The really sneaky issues happen underground or behind walls. Ground movement during seasonal changes can cause pipes to shift, creating stress points that lead to cracks or breaks. You might not notice these problems until you get a surprisingly high water bill or see unexplained wet spots in your yard.
Older homes in San Bernardino are especially vulnerable because many still have galvanized steel pipes that were common in the 1960s. These pipes are susceptible to the mineral content in our local water, resulting in scale buildup and ultimately leading to leaks or complete failure.
That’s when you need professional pipe repair services to assess the damage and determine whether spot repairs or more extensive repiping are necessary.
When to Call for Help
Don’t try to tough out plumbing problems, hoping they’ll fix themselves. Small issues can become expensive emergencies quickly, especially with seasonal weather changes that put extra stress on everything.
Call for professional help if you notice changes in water pressure, unexplained increases in your water bill, or any signs of water where it shouldn’t be. Discolored water, unpleasant smells, or gurgling sounds from drains are also warning signs that require immediate attention.
Our comprehensive plumbing services cover everything from minor repairs to major system overhauls, so we can handle whatever problems the weather changes throw at you.
Don’t Wait for the Emergency – Call the Expert Plumbers at Ballard
October is actually perfect timing for plumbing system checks. You’re not dealing with extreme weather yet, so repairs can be planned instead of rushed. Additionally, catching problems now means you won’t have to deal with emergency calls during the holidays.
Don’t wait for small problems to become big emergencies. Contact Ballard at 909-297-1914 or schedule service online to keep your San Bernardino home’s plumbing running smoothly through every season.
