The Top 6 Winter Plumbing Problems and What You Should Do

It happens every winter: A plumbing problem strikes when you’re under the weather with a cold, stuck in bed with the flu, or just not quite yourself after a long holiday weekend. You’ll want to take care of that problem quickly and try to prevent it from happening again. But how? The list below includes many of the top plumbing problems winter brings—and offers some advice on how to handle them.

Frozen pipes

When the outside temperature begins to drop, a layer of ice will form around your outside pipes. When this happens, water is no longer able to flow through your pipe and freezes. This buildup of ice will eventually cause pressure buildup inside the pipe until it breaks―causing a frozen pipe!

You can prevent frozen pipes from happening in winter by insulating exposed pipes or wrapping them up with heat tape. Leaving faucets open is also an important step.

Clogged drains

When winter sets in, there is nothing more bothersome than a clogged drain. The water cannot drain out, making your clogged drain the perfect environment for bacteria to live in and leading to additional problems. If a clogged drain is left unaddressed, it can lead to mold and mildew accumulation on the sides of the pipe.

If your sink drains are clogged, there are a few ways to clear the drain. Try using baking soda, vinegar, or hot water to clear the clog. If the problem persists, it is time to call your plumber. 

Water leaks

Water leaks in winter are a common plumbing problem. According to the EPA, faulty plumbing can waste up to 10 percent of your home’s water usage yearly, but those leaks are often hard to detect to the point that you may want to call a plumbing repair specialist to solve this problem.

Before the cold wind blows, make it a point to have your plumbing checked by a pro for any leaks. That way, you can avoid a burst pipe that can cause expensive water damage in your home. 

Faulty water heater

Your water heater is one of the most important equipment in your home during the winter season. It provides you with an unlimited hot water supply for cooking, bathing, washing, or cleaning. Your household can be in big trouble if your water heater stops functioning in the middle of winter.

Water heaters can stop working due to sediment buildup in the tank, corrosion of the heating element, or being switched off at the circuit breaker panel. The safest solution to a water heater problem is calling a licensed plumber. 

Basement flooding

The combination of cold temperatures, frozen pipes, and increased water usage combine to create the perfect storm for basement flooding. To help prevent this from happening to you, know your risk factors, take steps and protect your home from basement flooding. 

To help prevent basement flooding during winter, clean up leaves and snow that have collected on the roof and gutters. Also, make sure your downspouts drain to a safe place away from your house.

Sump pump failure

Sump pumps are a critical part of your basement’s flood-protection system. Whether you live in an area at risk for spring floods, where freezing and heavy snowfall contribute to basement flooding, or anywhere where large amounts of rainfall overwhelm the sewer inlets, a properly working sump pump is essential. You can purchase a simple cover for your sump pump in winter that is designed to insulate or protect your device.

Hire a licensed and skilled plumbing contractor today

Winter is around the corner, and more than likely you will need a plumbing service at some point. If you haven’t considered hiring a professional plumber to help maintain your household plumbing before winter, now is the time. 

You never know when plumbing emergencies will happen, but you want to be prepared for them. And that’s why hiring a licensed plumber is important. Hiring a plumber with a license shows that they are more skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable than one who doesn’t have the license. This is extremely important to a plumbing repair because homes can have complicated piping systems with gas lines, water lines, and sewer lines all running together. A skilled professional can easily clean out or repair these lines without causing damage to any of them. Schedule a service appointment with your local plumbing company today!