3 Types of Leaks to Be Prepared For in Winter

Vancouver weather is known to be rainy and more temperate, but the city and Lower mainland area has been known to experience snow and a drop in temperature. In the winter months, our home systems can malfunction for various reasons. Sometimes extreme changes in temperature can cause water leaks, which will lead to property damage.

Basement leaks. Accumulated snow that melts and causes run-off can run towards your drain tile and cause leaks into your basement. Using systems like downspouts and eaves to help direct rainfall away from your home can help. Make sure that they are installed correctly so that the run off is going away from your drain tile and not running the water right back towards your basement. If your property in graded properly, water should be running away from your home rather than towards it. If you are on an incline, you may need to have a professional come and look at you property to make sure it is graded properly. Foundation cracks are another frequent problem for homeowners, which may cause leaks in your basement. A professional can help identify it and complete the appropriate repair.

Roof Leaks. Finding the source of a roof leak can be one of the most difficult aspects of owning a home. Often times, a roof leak is not easy to identify, and things like snow, ice build up, and rainy weather make it hard during winter months to find the problem on your roof. When you have a roof leak, timing is often very important, and calling a professional, especially during tricky weather conditions, is the best way to get it dealt with properly.

Plumbing Leaks. The weather during the winter months can cause blocked drain tile, which is best to be repaired during the spring. Make sure to check your drain tile, and see that it isn’t blocked before it potentially is covered in snow. Spend some time inspecting all faucets and pipes. Make sure to look behind things inside your home like sinks and toilets, to make sure there is no moisture or dripping. You can easily see if there is corrosion around pipes or any rust that may cause problems later.

Being aware of all of the areas that could potentially become a problem later, especially with weather changes in the winter, will help to prevent possible leaks. If you suspect a water leak, either via plumbing, your roof or basement, the experts at 604Leak can be there quickly to help you deal with the problem.