Common Winter Plumbing Problems & How to Prevent Them

Plumbing troubles are always a serious burden for any home, but experiencing them when temperatures are freezing? It’s a total headscratcher!

Besides the danger and difficulty of working outside during winter, there’s always the risk of running out of water supply. This makes doing your daily tasks like cooking or washing a serious challenge. On top of that, the cost of emergency plumbing during this season is downright tough on the budget. Not to mention the usual delay due to higher demand for plumbing services.

But all these troubles are still avoidable. With the right steps, you can dodge any plumbing headaches and stay worry-free all winter long. Here are some expert tips on how to achieve just that!

Frozen and Burst Pipes

Have you ever experienced getting no water flowing from your tap due to frozen pipes? As it turns out, it also happens in 250,000 homes in the US every year. 

Frozen and burst pipes are two plumbing disasters that often come hand in hand. Freezing water in the pipe expands and builds pressure, causing weak points in the plumbing to give in. But, as “chilling” as it sounds, the solution is simply a matter of keeping things warm.

Insulating Your Pipes the Right Way

You can do this by insulating your pipes. It’s a way of keeping your exposed pipes protected from the cold by covering them. Using foam pipe insulation is regarded as the best overall, and it’s pretty easy to use, too. You can buy them online or at your local hardware store. All you have to do is slide these foam insulators into your exposed pipes to trap the heat inside.

You can also use heating cables for unheated areas in your house. They work well for the pipes in your crawl spaces, attics, or basement. Keeping your inside cabinet doors open also helps. Doing so lets warm air circulate and keeps your indoor pipes warm. It’s a reliable and simple alternative if you lack space heaters.

Water Heater Breakdowns

A failing water heater in winter is pure trouble. Cold showers? No thanks! The increased demand for hot water can overwork your heater, leading to breakdowns.

Prevent this by flushing your water heater before winter starts. This removes sediment buildup, which helps it run efficiently. Also, check the thermostat and set it to 120°F for optimal performance. If your water heater is over ten years old, consider replacing it before it fails.

Insulating your water heater also helps. A heater blanket keeps the water warmer for longer. If your heater is in an unheated space, keep the area warm. A small space heater can prevent it from working too hard.

Clogged Drains

Are you fond of rinsing down your oily cookware and dishes in your sink without disposing of the oil and food particles first? You might want to ditch this practice when the season starts getting cold. Or better yet, just stop doing it altogether. Cold weather makes grease and soap scum harden faster. This leads to stubborn clogs in your kitchen and bathroom drains.

To prevent this, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Use a drain strainer to catch debris, and clean it regularly. Also, run hot water after each use to help flush any buildup.

For extra care, flush your drains with a mixture of hot water and baking soda. This helps break down organic buildup before it clogs the pipes. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, too. They may seem a quick solution but they can damage your pipes over time.

Sump Pump Backups

Your sump pump works hard to prevent basement flooding. However, winter can freeze the discharge pipe, causing water backup.

Keep your sump pump working by cleaning the pit and testing it regularly. Insulate the discharge pipe to prevent freezing. If heavy snow is coming, clear the area around the pump discharge to ensure proper drainage.

Also, make sure your sump pump has a backup power source. A power outage in winter can leave your basement unprotected. A battery backup system can save you from unexpected flooding.

Blocked Septic Lines

Septic lines can freeze and back up, creating a nasty mess. To avoid this, use septic-safe antifreeze in the system. Also, add a layer of mulch over the septic lines for extra insulation. If possible, avoid excessive water use during freezing weather.

Regular septic maintenance also goes a long way. If your tank is due for pumping before winter, do it. A full tank increases the risk of freezing and backup issues.

Frozen Well Pump

If you rely on well water, winter can be your home’s number one enemy. A frozen pump is common when temperatures plummet, leaving your house with no water flow at all. Protect your well pump by insulating it and keeping the pump house heated. If your pump freezes, use a space heater or heating lamp to thaw it slowly.

Make sure to check for leaks, as well. Even a tiny leak can cause ice buildup inside the system. Fix any issues before temperatures drop too low.

Dodge The Struggles of Winter Plumbing Troubles with Cornwell Plumbing

Winter plumbing problems don’t have to ruin your season. With proper preparation, you can keep your home safe and warm. In case you don’t have time to prepare, you can always leave the prep work to your plumber.

At Cornwell Plumbing, we provide expert services tailored to every season. Before the freezing temperature hits, you can call us for expert maintenance, insulation work, or leak fixing before they result in chilling plumbing woes. We also specialize in well pump services to keep your well water supply uninterrupted, no matter how cold the day or night gets. With one call, we will dispatch our Brownsburg plumber to your address for mess-free, same-day work!

Call Cornwell Plumbing today, and be ready for whatever plumbing challenge the season throws at you!