By following New Albany Plumbing & Drain‘s tips on preparing your plumbing for wintery conditions and performing routine maintenance, you can help winterize your home and decrease the odds of many plumbing problems occurring. So, without further ado, here are 7 of the most common issues we see happening in plumbing work during the winter season.
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS YOUR PLUMBING WORK MAY ACT UP IN THE WINTER?
- GUTTER & DRAIN PROBLEMS: Your gutters and drains are susceptible to freezing or being blocked by ice and snow. This can establish a barricade that prevents melted snow from draining as it should. Consequently, you may start experiencing plumbing problems with issues such as backed-up gutters and drains. To prevent this problem before it starts, you ought to replace any plastic outdoor drains with metal ones. They’re significantly stronger than plastic and won’t fold under the strain of built-up ice.
- SUMP PUMP PROBLEMS: Ensure that your sump pump is functional before the water starts to thaw by following these simple tips. Remove any debris near or around the pump so it can’t get clogged if it falls in; a good way to gauge its effectiveness is by pouring some water into the area. If your sump pump doesn’t turn on, contact us for further assistance!
- FROZEN PIPE PROBLEMS: Proactively taking a few measures now will save you from having to deal with frozen pipes during winter. Let your faucets drip overnight whenever the weather dips below freezing outside, and protect your pipes by insulating them with pipe insulation.
- TOILET OR DRAIN PROBLEMS: Toilets are more likely to freeze and leak during the winter due to colder water leading to a slower flushing process. For this reason, you should only flush toilet paper down the toilet. If your bathroom pipes are accessible, you can also wrap them in insulation to decrease the chances of any issues arising.
- LEAK PROBLEMS: Ignoring a leak, no matter how big or small it may be, is never the right solution. If you don’t take care of the problem immediately, it will only worsen and cause further damage to your plumbing system. Water in pipes that are not insulated can freeze when exposed to cold weather and often lead to burst pipes. Periodically checking your home for leaks can save you money and future headaches. If any fixtures are leaking, take care of them immediately to prevent having to deal with the problem down the road. It’s always best to nip these things in the bud!
- WATER HEATER PROBLEMS: By servicing your water heater annually, you not only follow industry standards but also prevent sediment buildup and keep the appliance running smoothly. Water heaters work harder to keep up with the freezing temperatures in the winter, making preventative maintenance even more essential at this time of year.
- DECREASED WATER PRESSURE PROBLEMS: As the weather begins to cool down, water pressure starts to drop. This happens because it is harder for water molecules to move around in colder temperatures. Be sure to get your pipes checked by a professional once a year before winter hits. This will help you avoid any plumbing disasters!
New Albany Plumbing & Drain offers a wide variety of plumbing services to help you this winter, from fixing leaks to unclogging drains. So, if you’re experiencing any issues with your plumbing, simply give us a call, and we’ll take care of it ASAP! Call today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!