Although homes are more likely to experience plumbing problems in the winter, there are ways to prevent these disasters from happening. Just remember it’s not always possible to totally avoid these issues, no matter how much preventive maintenance you do. But by reading these seven tips from your Lebanon Plumbing & Drain professionals, you’ll be better informed on how to make sure your plumbing system is protected this winter season.
WHAT ARE SOME FREQUENT REASONS FOR WINTER PLUMBING PROBLEMS?
- LEAKS: Do not ignore any leaks, no matter how small. According to experts, if left unchecked, they can easily become larger problems that will damage your plumbing system. This happens when pipes freeze and expand when in contact with outside air, which often results in burst pipes during cold weather months. To decrease the chances of this happening, check your home for dripping faucets or small leaks around the toilets. If a particular leaky faucet comes to mind, now is the time to fix it. Should you find any leaky fixtures or toilets, don’t delay in having them taken care of immediately.
- TOILET OR DRAIN PROBLEMS: Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, and that includes your toilet. Freezing temperatures 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, be sure to wrap them in pipe insulation.
- FROZEN PIPES: One of the most troublesome plumbing problems during winter is frozen pipes. To ameliorate this issue, on freezing nights, you should slightly drip your faucets to keep water flowing through your pipes and thereby reduce the probability of them freezing and causing issues. Another wonderful option is wrapping exposed pipes in insulation.
- GUTTER & DRAIN PROBLEMS: The gutters and drains located outside are important to discuss. Over time, snow and ice accumulate in these areas, which can then lead to clogs. This creates an obstruction that doesn’t allow the melted snow to drain properly, as backed-up gutters and drains could be the next plumbing issue. If you have plastic outdoor drains currently, replacing them with metal ones is suggested. Plastic breaks more easily under pressure from built-up ice; therefore, a stronger material should be used for your drains.
- WATER HEATER PROBLEMS: Annual servicing and cleaning of your water heater is key to keeping it running at its best and most efficient capacity. Industry standards recommend having this done once a year, which helps get rid of any sediment buildup that can occur. Water heaters are used more often in the winter months when people tend to run their taps more frequently for longer periods of time, so preventative maintenance during these times is essential.
- DECREASED WATER PRESSURE: It’s not uncommon for your water pressure to lessen gradually as the temperature drops. The colder it gets, the more sluggish water flows, which in turn causes lower water pressure. That’s why we always recommend getting plumbing inspections at least once a year.
- SUMP PUMP PROBLEMS: Sump pumps are more likely to freeze in winter, particularly after a large snowstorm. If you don’t maintain your sump pump properly after a storm, it could overflow when the water starts melting. To avoid this problem, make sure there’s nothing around the pump that could fall in and clog it. You can also test if the pump is working by pouring water into it directly. If it doesn’t seem to be responding correctly, give us a call!
This winter, let Lebanon Plumbing & Drain take care of 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, don’t worry; we’ll take care of it as soon as possible! Call today at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!