Most people tend to dread winter as soon as the temperature starts to drop. But just like how every person reacts to cold weather differently – some love it while others loathe it, plumbing systems respond variously as well. And even if you take all the preventative measures possible, part of being a homeowner means understanding that there will always be an element of unpredictability regarding your home’s upkeep. But don’t fret; Gahanna Plumbing & Drain is here to discuss the seven most common plumbing problems that surface during winter. Even though you may not be able to entirely prevent bad situations from coming up, understanding why most typical plumbing issues occur can lower the likelihood of them happening in the winter.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR WATER HEATER?
As the temperatures drop, your water heater will be working overtime. Remember that when it gets cold outside, your water heater has to adjust for the colder weather by working harder. This additional work often leads to wear and tear on your system. To ensure your water heater is running at its highest efficiency for as long as possible, your water heater is inspected and cleaned yearly. Also, if you believe that the temperature of your home’s water could be warmer, raise the setting a few degrees; nevertheless, temperatures beyond 125 degrees are dangerous and should never be exceeded.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR INDOOR PIPES?
Water pipes may freeze and expand when outside temperatures drop, which could lead to a dangerous pressure buildup. Frozen pipes are also more likely to rupture. To help prevent this, leave your faucets turned on slightly during very cold nights so water can flow freely and not freeze. In addition, you might not think about it but keeping your cabinet doors open under the sink actually helps warm up the pipes! Pressure in your piping system can rise and cause long-term damage if left untreated. And although slight water damage may not look like a problem now, it will become more costly to fix later on down the road. You’ll not only have repair bills, but you might also need to get new things to replace what was ruined by the water. Furthermore, operational valves can help reduce pressure and prevent future issues from occurring.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR KITCHEN DRAIN?
The winter holidays are likewise an excellent time to show your kitchen drain some TLC. With all the cooking, baking, and hosting that takes place during this season, making sure your sink and garbage disposal are functioning properly is of utmost importance. You certainly don’t want to have to deal with a clog in the middle of preparing dinner for holiday guests! You can keep your disposal clean by regularly washing it and even purchasing special tabs to help with this. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly, however. Secondly, never pour grease, thick fluids, or dense foods down the drain. Also, as a signal for guests to throw their food scraps in the trash instead of clogging up your sink during parties, place a garbage can near or in front of the sink.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SUMP PUMP?
A few things to remember come springtime: If your sump pump is in the basement, make sure the temperature there isn’t too low, or it could freeze. Next, keep the area around the sump pump clean from dust, debris, and other bits (like pet hair) which might fall in and clog up your sump pump. Lastly, you can test it directly by pouring water into the pit to see if it activates correctly. If it doesn’t, feel free to give us a call so we can come and diagnose the issue for you before a snowstorm comes through and you have to deal with the aftermath of melted snow, etc.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SEPTIC TANK?
Many people don’t realize that septic tanks can freeze in the winter, which often causes plumbing issues in homes. To avoid this, we recommend making sure your septic tank is properly covered and prepared for colder weather. By taking some easy preventative measures, you can reduce the chances of your septic tank freezing and causing sewage backup in your home.
- If you see erosion around your septic tank, add more soil for better insulation. Be careful not to pack the new soil too tightly so it can settle.
- In addition to being an excellent insulator, straw is also affordable. So, once you’ve confirmed that the soil layer is adequate, top off your tank with straw to further insulate it.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR PIPES?
Although your outdoor fixtures and pipes are meant to be exposed, they’re still vulnerable to freezing and possible bursting. To prevent this from happening, detach and drain all garden hoses before winter begins. If it’s already cold outside, don’t worry; you can still take steps to safeguard your exterior fixtures by using foam hose bibs for added insulation around the outdoor faucet. Don’t forget to turn your exterior water faucets off too. Exterior walls experience more water damage because they aren’t as protected as interior ones. When water from outdoor pipes freezes and expands, it can cause cracks and pipe deformation. As a result, leaks form in difficult-to-reach places inside your wall that you might not notice until the damage is already done.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR DRAINS?
If your outdoor drains are made of plastic, it would be best to replace them with metal pieces because, under freezing temperatures, plastic gets brittle, and the weight of ice could make them break. Also, keep the area around your drain clear from any debris, such as leaves and twigs, so that when the snow melts, it can drain properly.
By following these tips from Gahanna Plumbing & Drain, you can avoid potential plumbing problems as the weather continues to drop. But if something still happens to go awry with your plumbing system this season, we offer emergency plumbing services! So, don’t hesitate to call us at (614) 245-2256 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!