Every season in South Jersey brings its own plumbing hazards. At Mr Neel Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how winter freeze-ups, spring runoff, summer storms, and fall debris can trigger major plumbing emergencies—fast. Knowing what to expect each season gives you a shot at preventing damage before it starts.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common plumbing emergencies by season, and how to deal with them.
Winter: Frozen Pipes and Burst Lines
When temperatures drop below freezing, exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze solid. Water expands when it freezes, which builds pressure inside the line. The result? A sudden burst pipe and a flood in your walls, basement, or crawlspace.
What to watch for:
-
No water from faucets (possible frozen line)
-
Frost on exposed pipes
-
Damp walls or ceilings
-
Unusual sounds when turning on fixtures
Pro tip: Keep your thermostat above 13°C (55°F) at all times, even when you’re away. If you suspect a frozen pipe, shut off the main water valve and call us immediately.
Spring: Ground Shifts and Sewer Line Trouble
Once the thaw begins, shifting soil and increased groundwater can put pressure on buried pipes. We see an uptick in sewer line collapses, sump pump failures, and basement flooding around this time.
What to watch for:
-
Multiple backed-up drains
-
Foul odors in the yard or home
-
Water pooling near your foundation
-
Sump pump running constantly or not at all
Pro tip: Schedule a camera inspection before spring storms hit. Catching early signs of tree root intrusion or line sagging can help you avoid full sewer replacement.
Summer: Heavy Rain and Sump Pump Burnout
South Jersey summers are getting wetter. Sudden downpours or extended heatwaves can push sump pumps, irrigation lines, and water heaters past their limit. Plumbing emergencies this time of year are often tied to overwhelmed drainage systems or failed appliances.
What to watch for:
-
Sump pump not activating during rain
-
Water heater leaking or making loud popping sounds
-
Sprinkler lines leaking into your yard or basement
Pro tip: Test your sump pump monthly by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. It should kick on immediately and drain the water. If it doesn’t, don’t wait for the next storm to deal with it.
Fall: Leaf Clogs and Outdoor Line Trouble
As leaves fall and outdoor temperatures dip, we start seeing backups caused by clogged gutters, blocked yard drains, and neglected outdoor plumbing. Hose bibs and irrigation lines can crack if left pressurized when the first frost hits.
What to watch for:
-
Pooling water around outdoor drains
-
Gurgling toilets or tubs after rain
-
Hissing sounds from hose bibs
-
Slow drainage from kitchen sinks or downspouts
Pro tip: Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor spigots, and clear out gutters before mid-October. Preventative work in fall can save you thousands over the winter.
Emergency? Mr Neel Has South Jersey Covered.
Whether it’s a sudden leak at midnight in January or a basement flood during a summer storm, Mr Neel Plumbing is here when you need fast, skilled service. We cover Camden and Burlington counties including Haddon Heights, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Mt Laurel, and surrounding towns.
Our team handles plumbing emergencies 7 days a week. We come equipped, explain the issue clearly, and fix it right—the first time.
Call 856‑506‑3400 or schedule emergency service online if you’re facing a plumbing problem you can’t ignore.
