Winter’s cold temperatures can strain your plumbing system, leading to several issues that cause damage to your home. It’s important to understand the plumbing concerns you’re likely to experience during the cold weather and how to promptly resolve or handle the warning signs before excess damage is caused. Discussed below are the top five winter plumbing problems and how to deal with them.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common and major problem during winter. A drop in temperatures is a primary cause of blocked drains. As the weather becomes colder, the pipes in your home can freeze. Once frozen, water expands, leading to blockages in your pipes. This is particularly common in older homes where pipes aren’t adequately insulated. In addition, winter leads to a rise in tree roots creeping into your sewer lines. Once the ground freezes, it may result in shifts in the soil, which makes it easier for the roots to infiltrate and clog your pipes.
Understanding the causes of clogged drains enables you to take proactive measures to avoid clogs in winter. You can insulate your pipes to ensure they don’t freeze and expand, minimizing the possibility of blockages. Disposing food scraps and grease properly instead of pouring them down the drain can also prevent clogged drains. Should your drains clog during winter, a professional drain clearing and cleaning service from experts, such as this plumbing New Jersey team, can get your pipes cleared and cleaned.
Water Heater Problems
While hot water is essential during the winter, you’ll likely experience water heater issues. They include:
- Water isn’t hot enough: Inconsistent or inadequate heating is a common water heater issue during winter. If your water heater has problems, the optimal water temperature it produces may be too low to fulfill your needs. Winter worsens this problem because the water getting into the tank from outside is colder
- Losing hot water too soon: If the heaters have troubles with ignition and combustion, they won’t heat water efficiently, causing hot water to run out too soon
- High heating bills: If your water heater isn’t heating effectively or leaking water or heat, it’ll require more fuel than usual to keep the water hot, increasing heating bills
A slow recovery rate, sediment buildup, knocking noises, and high water bills are other water heater issues you may experience in winter. If you see signs of any of these hot water problems, there may be underlying plumbing issues that need prompt attention. Calling a repair plumbing professional can help determine the cause of your water heater problems and resolve them promptly.
Sump Pump Issues
Ground freezing around the sump pump and discharge line is a common plumbing issue during winter. Winters may be characterized by rainy weather, mild temperatures, and deep freezes. Once these chilly temperatures hit, your discharge line may freeze together with the ground because water from previous use might remain in the line, or when the sump pump begins running, the water being cleared away is just a tickle and not moving swiftly enough to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
Slow-moving water may freeze, blocking the whole discharge line, which causes the sump pump not to function as intended. To solve sump pump issues in winter, consider:
- Insulating the discharge line to avoid freezing
- Using a wider diameter pipe
- Checking to ensure that the sump pump size is adequate for the demand you’re placing on them
- Ensuring the pipe’s gradient runs downhill from its origin
You can also schedule a professional winter sump pump service to keep your pump working throughout winter.
Frozen Pipes
When temperatures fall, the water in the pipes is prone to freezing. The frozen water then starts expanding. As the water expands, the pressure leads to your pipes cracking, eventually causing leaks or burst pipes. Frozen pipes pose numerous dangers, including:
- Property damage: When pipes burst because of freezing, they release a substantial water volume into your property. Water damage may affect ceilings, floors, walls, and personal belongings. If the affected areas aren’t properly dried up, mold growth may also become a concern
- Water supply disruption: When dealing with burst pipes, you’ll have to shut off the water supply completely to allow for repairs
Other consequences of frozen pipes are increased utility and repair costs and reduced home value. While operating a space heater near the frozen pipes or turning up your home’s heat can thaw them temporarily, you should allow a professional plumber to assess the damage and address what needs to be repaired. They can also help keep your pipes from freezing.
Leaky Faucets
Leaks may become more regular in winter. The cold weather may lead to metals contracting, damaging gaskets and seals. Leaky faucets waste a substantial amount of water over time, adding to the cost of your water bill. Upon identifying leaky faucets in your home, addressing them promptly is crucial. While you can repair some leaks by replacing the O-ring or a washer, others need a comprehensive solution, such as replacing the whole faucet. Alternatively, consulting a professional plumber can help you find the best possible fix for your leaky faucets.
Endnote
Winter weather comes with many issues that strain your plumbing, causing several issues. Familiarize yourself with the top plumbing problems, such as clogged drains, frozen pipes, and water heater issues, and how to deal with them.
