4 Common Winter Plumbing Problems
Winter will be here soon enough, so it is important to start preparing your plumbing system. The season can be quite tough on your home's plumbing, and you probably don't want to have to call an emergency plumber on the coldest day of the year. Here are some common winter plumbing problems and how to avoid them.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can break or leak, which can result in considerable water damage to your home. To reduce the risk of this occurring, remember to disconnect your garden hoses before freezing temperatures set in. It is also wise to open kitchen and bathroom cabinets occasionally to let warm air get to the plumbing. If your attic or basement is drafty, think about adding insulation to maintain higher temperatures and prevent frozen pipes.
Clogged Kitchen Drains
During the winter holidays, you might cook more frequently and invite guests over for parties. While this can bring you great joy, it can also cause plumbing issues. All the extra cooking can increase the likelihood of food and grease in your kitchen drains, resulting in clogs. Minimize the chances of this happening by never pouring leftover cooking grease down the drain. Grease can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs. Instead, put the grease in a plastic container and toss it in the garbage. You should also run cold water down your kitchen drain from time to time.
Frozen Septic Tank
If you have a septic tank, there is a possibility that it can freeze during the winter. If this happens, the system will not be able to break down your household waste properly. Wrapping an insulating blanket over your tank can keep it from freezing.
Water Heater Malfunction
In the winter, your water heater may have to work harder to keep your water warm, resulting in wear and tear. The last thing you want is for your heater to suddenly break down, so pay attention to how your appliance is running. If you are running out of hot water quickly or the tank is making odd noises, call a plumber. They can diagnose and repair the issue before the entire system shuts down.
If you encounter any of these problems during the winter, you should call a local plumbing service as soon as possible. If you wait too long to address the issue, it will just get worse and cost more money in repairs.
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