Are you concerned about winter plumbing problems? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling keeps your home safe with reliable plumbing repair, inspections, and maintenance. Keep reading to learn about how you can avoid these issues.
Frozen Pipes Across Your Property
Your indoor and outdoor pipes become vulnerable once outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. When your pipes freeze, it can rupture your water supply lines, sewer lines, and more. It can cause damage to your yard if it bursts outside your home.
Protecting Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures
How can you protect your pipes from cold weather? Take the following preventive measures to prevent freezing in cold temperatures:
- Disconnect hoses and drain water from them before storing them.
- Turn off any water lines that provide water to your outdoor spigots.
- Leave your outdoor faucets open all winter.
- Install pipe insulation in your outdoor plumbing or any pipes in your exterior wall.
- Cover your outdoor drains with weather-proof sleeves.
- Have pressure relief valves installed on water lines.
Drains That Clog Frequently
When you have a frozen drain line, it can affect your drains throughout your house. Drains are like arteries; when they have buildup or minor clogs, they can’t handle the same water flow capacity. Your drains won’t empty as quickly and will back up or clog frequently.
Fixing and Reducing Your Risk of Clogging Drains
When your kitchen sink drains clog in the winter, try pouring boiling water down them. You can also run the garbage disposals to help troubleshoot winter plumbing problems. If neither of those works, you should call a plumber for help.
You can protect outdoor drainage systems or metal drains in the same way you protect your pipes. Implement the following habits:
- Avoid sending fibrous (fruit peels), grainy (coffee grounds), starchy (rice), and fatty substances (cooking oil) down the drain.
- Regularly clean your garbage disposals.
- Don’t use chemical drain cleaners (they corrode pipes).
- Install a catcher in your drains to reduce the amount of soap scum and hair entering your pipes.
Your Water Heater Runs Out of Hot Water
If your water heater can’t produce enough hot water, showering feels challenging. Does your hot water last about an hour before running out? You may need to drain it or install a bigger model.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Water Heater
How can you protect your water heater from winter issues?
- Consider whether upgrading to a tankless model can better meet your needs and give you a longer supply of water.
- Schedule annual maintenance check.
- Install a water heater blanket.
Your Sump Pump Backs Up Frequently
Consider it one of the worst winter plumbing problems when your sump pump fails. You’ll need your sump pump to keep your basement dry if you’re anticipating a large snow melt. Schedule repairs quickly.
What Are the Best Ways to Care for Your Sump Pump?
How can you protect your sump pump from freezing in the winter?
- Schedule regular maintenance.
- Confirm your basement has a steady supply of warm air.
- Insulate its discharge line.
Issues with a Frozen Septic System
A septic system remains vulnerable to freezing in the winter. From the septic tank’s access cover to the septic pipe outlet, if any portion freezes or clogs, you’ll see backups in your home. You should schedule immediate help even though the frozen ground makes winter repairs more difficult.
Can You Prevent Your Septic Tank From Freezing?
How can you help prevent your private sewage system from freezing?
- Insulate your septic tank cover and tank by laying a straw over it.
- Pump your tank before winter.
- Never drive on your tank or drainage field, especially in the winter.
Snow Melt That Floods Your Basement
Melting ice and snow buildup can flood your basement. The invading water could cause damage to your home if you don’t have proper drainage. You can’t always predict what level of snow and ice will cause a problem.
How to Prevent Problems From Snow Melt
Take the following precautions to prevent basement flooding:
- Patch cracks with hydraulic cement.
- Install and maintain a sump pump.
- Immediately clear snow in a five-foot radius around your foundation.
Schedule Reliable Plumbing System Services Today
Do you need help fixing or preventing winter plumbing problems? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can fix all plumbing issues.
We provide a wide range of services, from replacing pressure relief valves to repairing your home’s main drain line. We help prevent mold growth and damage to your home with preventive maintenance and prompt repairs for water leaks.
