Homes are more susceptible to plumbing problems in the winter but being conscious of these disasters can help lessen the chances of them happening. Of course, it’s not always possible to totally avoid these issues, no matter how much preventive maintenance you do. The winter weather can sometimes be tough to handle, but by reading these seven tips from your Loveland Plumbing & Drain professionals, you’ll be better informed on how to protect your plumbing system.
WHAT ARE SOME FREQUENT REASONS FOR WINTER PLUMBING PROBLEMS?
- FROZEN PIPES: One of the top plumbing problems during winter is frozen pipes. On freezing nights, you should allow your faucets to drip slightly to keep water flowing through your pipes and reduce the chance of them freezing and causing issues. Another great option is wrapping exposed pipes in insulation.
- TOILET OR DRAIN PROBLEMS: Just like everything else, your toilet is susceptible to winter difficulties. For example, freezing weather can cause leaks or make the flushing process much slower than usual. To avoid this issue, only flush toilet paper down the toilet and nothing else. Additionally, if the pipes leading to your toilet are accessible, you may wrap them in pipe insulation.
- LEAKAGE PROBLEMS: Leaks, even small ones, should never be ignored. If left unchecked, they can turn into larger problems that could damage your plumbing system. In cold weather, water in pipes can freeze and expand when it meets with air, causing pipes to burst. To prevent this, inspect your house for dripping faucets or small leaks around the toilets. If a specific leaky faucet comes to mind, then now is definitely the time to finally address it. Should you find any leaky faucets, fixtures, or toilets, don’t delay further in having them taken care of as soon as possible.
- GUTTER & DRAIN PROBLEMS: Let’s discuss your gutters and drains located outside. Snow and ice that has accumulated over time can clog up your gutters and even freeze when it snows. This creates an obstruction that prevents the melted snow from draining properly, which could then lead to another plumbing issue with backed-up gutters and drains. In addition, if you have plastic outdoor drains, you should consider replacing them with metal drains. Plastic is vulnerable to breaking under the pressure of built-up ice, so upgrading your drains to a more durable material is always a good idea.
- WATER HEATER PROBLEMS: To follow industry standards, you should have your water heater serviced and cleaned at least once a year. This gets rid of any sediment buildup and makes sure that the water heater is running correctly. Water heaters are used more often in winter, which contributes to them overworking around this time of year. Therefore, preventative maintenance is key to making sure your water heater can work to its full potential.
- DECREASED WATER PRESSURE PROBLEMS: It’s typical for your water pressure to dwindle when the temperature decreases. The colder it is, the slower water flows, which then causes lower water pressure. That’s why we suggest getting plumbing inspections at least once every twelve months.
- SUMP PUMP PROBLEMS: Sump pumps can be prone to freezing in winter after large snowstorms. If you don’t take the proper steps to maintain your sump pump after a storm, it could overflow when water starts melting. To prevent this, make sure there’s nothing around the pump that could fall in and clog it. You can also test if the pump is working properly by pouring water into it directly. If it doesn’t seem to be responding correctly, give us a call!
Let Loveland Plumbing & Drain handle all your plumbing needs! We’re experts in residential plumbing services, and we also offer emergency services. If anything gets messed up with your plumbing system this winter, don’t worry – we’ll take care of it as soon as possible! Call today at (513) 644-0556, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!