Most Common Winter Plumbing Issues

Thanks to the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, the Winter season brings with it a whole host of plumbing issues that are unique to the season. It’s good to know what these are so you can take steps to prevent them. It’s always easier and cheaper to take preventative measures than it is to deal with repairs and maintenance after a problem has occurred. Common Winter plumbing issues include frozen pipes, broken water heaters and boilers, and clogged drains, and today you’ll learn more about these issues and how to prevent them.

Frozen Pipes and Broken Water Lines

Frozen pipes are probably the most common plumbing problem you might face in Winter, and this is because the freezing temperatures leave your pipes vulnerable. This occurrence is especially problematic if you go away on a Winter holiday and don’t take measures to prevent freezing, but frozen pipes can happen at any time when the weather is cold enough. Frozen pipes aren’t just a pain, but they’re also at risk for bursting, which can lead to leaks and water damage. To prevent frozen pipes, make sure your pipes are properly insulated, leave a tap constantly dripping to keep the water flowing, and shut off the water to your outside faucets and bleed the pipes before the cold temperature set in.

Broken Water Heater

A broken water heater isn’t something you ever want to deal with, especially in the middle of Winter when it’s freezing outside and you rely on interior heat to stay warm and comfortable. The problem with this is that your increased need places additional demands on your water heater, making it more likely to break down in Winter than Summer. The best way to make sure your water heater will continue working faithfully all season long is to properly maintain it and have it serviced regularly by a professional.

Clogged Drains

Although clogged drains can happen any time of year, the holidays tend to place additional stress on the pipes and increase the chances that food, grease, and other material will end up down the drain, where it can get stuck and form a clog. To prevent blockages, never put anything down the drains that shouldn’t go down, and use drain strainers to catch hair, food, and other particles that could slip down.

Broken Boilers (and No Heat)

Boilers, like water heaters, are in much higher demand in Winter than Summer, (in fact, they sit idle all Summer and are then expected to start performing out of nowhere), and this means there’s a higher chance they’ll break down precisely when you need them the most. As with the water heater, annual maintenance and inspections can prevent you from losing heat in the dead of Winter.

Plumbing problems are a reality of home ownership, and Winter puts an added strain on your systems that can lead to breakdowns and other issues. Being aware of common Winter plumbing problems can give you an opportunity to prevent them, and this will save you time, money, and headaches when you’re busy spending time with family and enjoying the perks of the season.

Contact the trained and professional plumbers at Drain Rescue Plumbers for all your plumbing needs!