As soon as the temperature drops, we start dreading winter. But just like how every person reacts to cold weather differently—some love it while others can’t stand it, plumbing systems respond in their own separate ways too. And even if you take all the preventative measures possible, part of being a homeowner is understanding that there will always be an element of unpredictability when it comes to your home’s maintenance. But don’t despair; Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing is here to discuss the seven most prevalent plumbing problems that take place in winter. Even though you may not be able to entirely forestall unfortunate predicaments from surfacing, comprehending why most typical plumbing issues can assist you in making a plan and lower the probability of them materializing.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR WATER HEATER?
As the winter season approaches, water heaters are used more frequently. It’s essential to keep in mind that when it gets cold outside, your heater has to adjust for the colder weather by working harder. This additional work often leads to wear and tear on your system. To prevent this, remember to have your water heater inspected and cleaned yearly by a licensed professional. Additionally, if you feel that your home’s water temperature could be warmer, you can raise the setting a few degrees as necessary; however, temperatures over 125 degrees are unsafe and should never be exceeded.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR INDOOR PIPES?
When outside temperatures plunge, water in pipes may freeze solid and expand, resulting in potentially disastrous pressure buildup. Frozen pipes are also more likely to rupture. To help prevent this problem, leave your faucets turned on slightly during very cold nights so water can flow and not freeze. You might not think it but keeping your cabinet doors open under the sink can actually help warm up the pipes. Using operational valves can help reduce pressure in your pipe system and prevent any potential issues. Water damage always has consequences that are both short-term and long-term. Slight water damage may not seem like a problem now, but it could be costly to fix down the line. Not only will you have to pay for repairs, but you may also need to replace anything that was damaged by water.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR KITCHEN DRAIN?
The winter holidays are a perfect time to show your kitchen drain some love. With all the cooking, baking, and hosting that goes on during this season, it’s more important than ever to make sure your sink and garbage disposal are in good working order. You don’t want to deal with a clog midway through making dinner for your holiday guests. You can avoid such an unfortunate mess by regularly cleaning your garbage disposal and even buying special tabs to help with this. Just make sure you follow the instructions exactly; Secondly, don’t pour grease, thick fluids or improper foods down the drain. Also, to stop guests from clogging up your sink with food during parties, place a trashcan in front of or near the sink as a signal for them to throw their scraps there.
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SUMP PUMP?
Spring is a crucial time to make sure your sump pump is functioning properly. With the melting snow, you need to be confident in your sump pump’s ability to do its job and prevent any flooding situations. A few things to remember: if your sump pump is in the basement, also make sure the temperature there isn’t too low, or it could freeze. Secondly, 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 does not, give us a call!
IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SEPTIC TANK?
Many people don’t realize that septic tanks can freeze in the winter. To avoid any plumbing issues, we recommend making sure your septic tank is properly covered and prepared for colder weather. Frozen septic tanks often cause backups in homes, but there are some easy prevention methods you can use to reduce the chances of this happening to you:
- If you notice any erosion around the septic tank, add more soil to promote better insulation. But be careful not to pack the new soil too tightly, so it has a chance to settle.
- Not only does straw make an excellent insulator, but it’s also affordable. 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?
Just because your pipes are outdoors doesn’t mean they’re safe from freezing and potentially bursting. Be sure to disconnect, drain, and store any garden hoses you have before winter really sets in. If it’s already mid-winter, don’t worry; you can still take measures to protect your outdoor fixtures, like using foam hose bibs for extra insulation around the outdoor faucet. Of course, don’t forget to turn your exterior water faucets off as well. Exterior walls typically experience more water damage since 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. This is because, under freezing temperatures, plastic gets brittle, which then causes the weight of ice to make them break. Also, be sure to 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.
As the weather continues to drop, it puts immense pressure on your plumbing system. However, by following these tips from your Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing, you can avoid potential plumbing problems. Don’t hesitate to call us at (513) 204-9944 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
