While some people enjoy winter, others start dreading the colder weather as soon as they feel a chill in the air. Similarly, just like every person responds to cold weather differently—some love it while others loathe it. Plumbing systems can respond variously too, based on a combination of different factors. And even if you take all preventative measures possible, part of being a homeowner means understanding that there is always an element of unpredictability when it comes to your pipes. Wintertime can be hard on your home’s plumbing, but it doesn’t have to be a dreadful time that will only end in an utter plumbing catastrophe. So, to help you keep your system running smoothly all season, Huber Heights Plumbing & Drain is here to share the seven most common problems and what causes them.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR WATER HEATER?
With the colder weather comes increased strain on your water heater. The drop in temperature means that your water heater has to work harder to maintain the same level of warmth, and this extra effort can lead to your water heater being overworked. For both efficiency and safety, have your water heater inspected and cleaned yearly. If you think your home’s water temperature could be warmer, raise the setting a few degrees; however, temperatures beyond 125 degrees are dangerous.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR INDOOR PIPES?
Pipes may freeze and expand in cold weather, which builds up dangerous pressure. Frozen pipes are also more likely to rupture. To help prevent this:
- Leave your faucets turned on slightly during very cold nights so water can flow freely and not freeze.
- Keeping your cabinet doors open under the sink actually helps warm up the pipes!
If left untreated, accumulated pressure combined with cold air in your pipes can lead to pipe leaks or burst pipes which can cause water damage. Although water damage may not look like a problem now, it can become more costly to fix later on. In addition to repair bills, you might also need to get new things to replace what was ruined by the water. Another great option to protect your plumbing work is by using operational valves that can help reduce pressure and prevent future issues from occurring.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR KITCHEN DRAIN?
Since the winter holidays are a hectic time with cooking, baking, and hosting guests, performing preventative maintenance on your kitchen drain is crucial to prevent clogs. The last thing you want is for your sink or garbage disposal to malfunction in the middle of making holiday dinner! There are a few things you can do to keep your disposal in working order. First, wash it regularly and purchase special tabs to help with this process if desired. Secondly, never pour grease, thick fluids, or dense foods down the drain, as this will inevitably clog it. As a signal for guests to throw their food scraps in the trash instead of down your sink during parties, place a garbage can near or in front of the sink so that they know where to dispose of their waste properly.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SUMP PUMP?
A few important things to keep in mind as spring arrives: Check that the temperature around your basement sump pump isn’t too low, or it could freeze. Additionally, be sure to clear away any dust, debris, and other materials (like pet hair) which might fall in and clog up your sump pump. Lastly, you can test the system by pouring water into the pit. If it doesn’t work as intended, please call us so we can come and figure out what’s wrong before a snowstorm hits and you’re met with melted snow and a malfunctioning sump pump afterward.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SEPTIC TANK?
Did you know that septic tanks can freeze during the winter? This often results in sewage backup in homes. To prevent this from happening, we recommend making sure your septic tank is properly covered and prepared for colder weather. By taking some easy preventative measures, you can reduce the chances of your septic tank freezing and causing sewage backup in your home.
- If you observe erosion around your septic tank, pack more soil gently for insulation. Be careful not to press the new soil too hard so it can settle evenly.
- Not only is straw an amazing insulator, but it’s also cheap. So, after you check that the soil layer can support your tank, fill the top of the soil with straw to keep the septic tank better insulated.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR PIPES?
Although they are designed to be outdoors, your fixtures and pipes can still freeze and burst if unprotected. To prevent this from happening, detach and drain all garden hoses before winter begins. If it’s already cold outside, don’t worry; you can take steps to safeguard your exterior fixtures by using foam hose bibs for added insulation around the outdoor faucet.
Remember to turn off your exterior water faucets as well. Exterior walls are more likely to experience water damage for a variety of reasons. One reason is that they aren’t as protected from the elements as interior walls. When the water in outdoor pipes freezes and expands, it can cause cracks and pipe deformation, which leads to leaks forming inside your wall in difficult-to-reach places. As a result, by the time you notice the damage, it might be too late.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR DRAINS?
You should replace your outdoor plastic drains with metal ones because frigid temperatures make plastic breakable. If ice accumulates on top of the drain, it could add enough weight to snap the material. Furthermore, you should clear any debris like leaves or twigs from around the vicinity of the drain so that when snowmelt occurs, water has a smooth path down.
Follow these tips from Huber Heights Plumbing & Drain to avoid any plumbing problems as the temperature starts dropping. However, if something still occurs with your plumbing system this season, we offer emergency plumbing services! So, don’t hesitate to call us at (937) 764-3381 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!