5 Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Image via Flickr by Jimmy_Joe

Clogged sinks and cold rooms are never fun. Plumbing problems are worse in the winter, however. Freezing temperatures can damage pipes and water lines if they are not adequately insulated. Check your home for these common winter plumbing issues so you can address them as soon as possible. 

1. Broken Water Heater

When the weather turns cold, you welcome long, hot showers. If your water heater is in poor repair, you run the risk of the water heater breaking down, leaving you with a cold shower. Before winter sets in, have a technician test your water heater to look for any problems before the unit breaks down. Keep the area around the water heater warm, so it doesn’t have to work too hard keeping the water in the tank hot. Check for drafts and insulate nearby windows.

2. Frozen Pipes

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a town where it snows all winter, the temperature can drop much lower than that. It’s easy for water to freeze inside pipes during the winter season. Slow-running water and decreased pressure are common signs that water in the pipes is starting to freeze. Check indoor and outdoor pipes to ensure they are properly insulated. Shut off the water supply to outdoor pipes, like the pipes supplying your garden hose. Call your plumber to get help with thawing frozen pipes. If defrosted incorrectly, pipes can burst when they start to thaw out.

3. Water Line Breaks

Frozen pipes can also cause pressure to build up and break your water lines. Make sure to turn off valves that supply water to outdoor hoses and sprinklers to help avoid broken water lines. You can also ask your plumber to install pressure release valves in certain spots in your plumbing system.

4. Clogged Sinks

Wintertime brings big holidays, which means many families do more cooking than usual. Grease and oil from all the extra meals could build up and clog your pipes at the worst possible time. Wipe off dishes and cookware before you start to wash them. Avoid pouring grease down the drain to prevent clogged sink drains. If you see the drain running slow, call a plumber and drain service in Richmond Hill to diagnose the problem and clean the pipes. If left unchecked, grease clogs can start to affect the sewer pipes too.

5. Blocked Roof Vents

Your plumbing and heating equipment needs ventilation. Residential HVAC systems are often vented through the roof. During the winter, snow and other debris can clog roof vents. Climbing up on your roof can lead to falls and injuries. Call your plumbing contractor to install roof vent caps and storm shields.

Even with proper planning and HVAC maintenance, you may have a wintertime plumbing problem. When you experience any of these common plumbing problems during the cold winter months, call a professional plumber to perform repairs. Waiting for temperatures to change or trying to fix these issues yourself could make the situation worse, and you can end up spending extra money to correct the problem.

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