When the weather turns chilly, it can wreak havoc on your pipe and entire plumbing system. There isn’t just the potential of a frozen or burst pipe to contend with when Old Man Winter comes knocking; there is also the possibility of other severe plumbing problems, like clogged drains, a failed sump pump, a frozen septic system, and more. At Mister Sewer & HVAC, we know how hard the winter can be on your plumbing; thankfully, many of these typical issues can be avoided with some preventative measures. Let’s take a look at the five most common winter plumbing problems and how to address them:
1. Frozen Indoor Pipes
In exceptionally cold temperatures, the water supply pipes inside your home can freeze. Lines that are located along exterior walls or in uninsulated areas are at the most risk; if you experience restricted water flow from your shower or sink, it could be a sign your pipes are freezing.
How to prevent it:
- Install pipe insulation on water supply lines, especially those located along exterior walls and in uninsulated spots.
- During especially cold periods, leave your indoor faucet open to let them drip ever so slightly; this will keep water moving and reduce pressure in the lines.
- Leave your cabinets open to circulate warm indoor air to the pipes under your sinks.
- Consider having pressure relief valves installed on your water lines to prevent pressure build-up and leaks.
2. Frozen Outdoor Pipes
If they haven’t been properly winterized, your outdoor water line can quickly freeze when the temperatures drop. Since they generally go unused during the winter, you might not notice a leak until it’s too late and your home has sustained devastating water damage.
How to prevent it:
- Disconnect hoses and drain the water from them.
- Turn off the indoor valve that serves the outdoor spigot.
- Open the outdoor hose bib valve to alleviate pressure from freezing.
- Add pipe insulation to the water lines that serve your home’s outdoor hose bibs.
- Use an insulating cover to protect the hose bib from freezing temperatures.
3. Water Heater Problems
No one wants to wake up on a chilly winter morning only to find out they can take a hot shower because their water heater isn’t working properly. Whether it’s overworked from the holidays or just due to ordinary wear and tear during winter, these issues can cause significant problems for your household.
How to prevent it:
- You probably already know you should be getting your water heaters maintained on a regular basis, but did you know that most should be drained annually?
- For tank heater models, install a water heater blanket to prevent energy loss; these can be found at most home improvement stores.
- Insulate the inlet and outlet pipes on the water heater to retain heat
4. Clogged Kitchen Drains
Whether it’s a malfunctioning garbage disposal or a pesky clog, your kitchen drain sees plenty of action; not only that, but between Thanksgiving dinner, holiday season celebrations, and New Year’s Eve gatherings, it’s sure to endure additional wear and tear in the fall and winter.
How to prevent it:
- Never put something down your drain that doesn’t belong there. Cooking oils, coffee grounds, bones from meat, fat, and grease should be thrown away in the trash — not down the kitchen drain.
- Whenever you run the garbage disposal, make sure you always run cold water at the same time; you should also let the water continue to run for 30 seconds after the disposal has been turned off.
- You can clean your garbage disposal by running ice through it periodically.
5. Malfunctioning Sump Pump
One of the most common plumbing problems during winter months can be dealing with ice and snowmelt; this can lead to water damage and flooded basements. If your sump pump system is frozen due to cold weather, clogged, or otherwise backed up, it could lead to serious issues.
How to prevent it:
- Keep your sump pump well maintained and remove debris and grime on a regular basis
- Test the sump pump regularly
- Keep the heat on in the area where your sump pump is located; doing so will keep the pipes from freezing
- Redirect water away from the home’s foundation to reduce the load on your sump pump; this can be done by rerouting gutter drains or installing a well-place outdoor drain.
Winter Plumbing Problems? Contact Us Today!
From frozen pipes, water leaks, and flooded basements to faulty water heaters that don’t provide hot water — there are plenty of common winter plumbing issues that can strike without warning. Not only can they cause problems and major disruptions for your family, but they can also leave you in an uncomfortable situation. For more information on our plumbing solutions or any of our other services, like sewer line repairs, contact us today.