Spring in Des Moines & Grimes: Is Your Plumbing Ready for the Thaw?

Spring in central Iowa brings relief from winter, but it also brings risk. As the ground thaws and snowmelt mixes with heavy rain, plumbing systems are pushed hard. In Des Moines, historic homes with aging pipes feel the strain. In Grimes, newer neighborhoods deal with soil settling and shifting around recently installed lines.

This period, often called mud season, is when many plumbing issues show up for the first time. Basement flooding, slow drains, sewer backups, and sump pump failures all become more common during the spring thaw. A little preparation now can prevent a lot of damage later.

This checklist focuses on the most common spring plumbing risks in Polk County and what homeowners should pay attention to before problems start.

The “Frost Heave” Factor

Frost heaves are one of the biggest threats to plumbing during Iowa’s spring thaw. Throughout winter, the ground freezes and expands. When it warms up, that frozen soil shifts back into place, sometimes unevenly.

In Des Moines, many older homes still rely on clay sewer pipes or aging cast iron. Frost heave can crack these brittle materials or pull joints apart, leading to leaks underground. These issues often go unnoticed until wastewater starts backing up or the yard stays unusually wet.

In Grimes, the concern is different. Newer construction means newer pipes, but backfill soil around those pipes may not have fully settled. As the freeze-thaw cycle ends, soil movement can create bellies in the line where waste collects instead of flowing smoothly. These low spots increase the risk of sewer line damage and backups.

If your home has experienced plumbing issues in past springs, frost heave may be part of the reason.

Sump Pumps: Your Basement’s First Line of Defense

When the water table rises in spring, sump pumps become critical. Snowmelt and rain can overwhelm foundation drains quickly, especially during heavy storms.

Now is the time to test your sump pump, before it is needed. A pump that fails during the first major rain often leads to basement flooding. In Grimes, where many homes have finished basements, a sump pump failure can cause extensive damage fast.

Check that the pump turns on, that the discharge pipe is clear, and that water is being pushed away from the foundation. Backup power options are also worth reviewing, since spring storms often bring power outages.

If your sump pump runs constantly or struggles to keep up, that is a warning sign worth addressing early.

Tree Roots Waking Up

As temperatures rise, tree roots wake up and start searching for water. Sewer lines are an easy target, especially older clay pipes common in Des Moines neighborhoods.

Roots can slip into small cracks or joints and grow quickly once they find moisture. At first, this may only cause slow drains. Over time, roots can block the line completely or cause pipes to collapse.

Sewer camera inspections are one of the most effective ways to catch root intrusion early. Seeing the condition of the line allows homeowners to address problems before they turn into major sewer line repair projects.

If you have large trees on your property or have dealt with sewer issues in the past, spring is the right time to take a closer look.

Preparing for Mud Season

Mud season puts stress on plumbing inside and outside the home. Taking a few preventative steps can reduce the risk of flooding and backups.

Homeowners should:

• Clear yard drains and make sure water can move away from the foundation
• Clean gutters and downspouts so roof runoff does not pool near the home
• Check hose bibs for cracks caused by winter freezing
• Make sure the backflow valve is functioning properly
• Watch for slow drains that worsen during wet weather

These checks help prevent water from overwhelming drains and reduce pressure on sewer lines during heavy rain.

Stay Dry This Spring with Rooter Ranger

Spring plumbing problems often start small and escalate quickly once the ground fully thaws. Rooter Ranger helps homeowners across Des Moines and Grimes prepare for the season with experienced technicians and honest recommendations.

From sump pump repair in Grimes to sewer line repair in Des Moines, our team understands how Iowa’s soil, climate, and housing styles affect plumbing systems. We focus on confirmation before action, clear communication, and solutions that protect your home.

If you want peace of mind before the next storm, contact us online or call us today at (602) 428-5437 to schedule a spring plumbing evaluation.