4 Winter Plumbing Problems and How to Avoid Them

Winter is fast approaching, the temperatures are dropping and the threat of the first frost is creeping closer and closer. We want to talk about some plumbing problems that normally occur with the cold temperatures of winter. Here are 4 winter-related plumbing problems and how you can avoid them. 

Frozen Pipes

When it comes to your pipes freezing, you could be in for some serious issues and even costly damage.

If you don’t have your pipes properly insulated or they are left exposed, when the temperatures drop you may find that water is frozen in the pipes. This can potentially lead to bursting. If they burst, they can cause serious water damage to your home.

To avoid this problem, be sure that your pipes are properly insulated and taken care of before the cold temperatures hit.

Water Heater Failure 

Your water heater works hard all year round keeping your home’s water at a comfortable temperature. It starts working 10x harder when the cold temperatures kick in.

Taking extra long hot showers, running lots of laundry, and other everyday tasks take more work in the winter. This constant hard work can cause strain on your water heater, meaning you may need to worry about it failing. This can be especially true if you didn’t have it checked during routine maintenance.

If you’re worried your water heater is in trouble, look out for cool or inconsistent water temperatures or unusual sounds. The best way to avoid this problem is to have your water heater checked routinely.

Holidays Have Your Plumbing BUSY

Winter is one of the best times of the year, as many people enjoy the holiday season. That means lots of guests at your home, which means unusual or additional bathroom usage.

The holidays also mean lots and lots of delicious foods. With so much food you may forget not everything is meant for your garbage disposal. You may also find one of those silly kids has tried to flush a toy down the toilet. Probably not great for your home’s plumbing.

Overall, the holiday season means you’re busy, increasing your risk of encountering a plumbing issue. It’s important to remember that over usage, clogged pipes, and other issues can lead to more expensive damages. To avoid this, be mindful of your plumbing system. Schedule routine maintenance so that you’re sure everything is in working order before the chaos of holiday’s strikes.

Watch out for Your Outdoor Plumbing too

We tend to think of plumbing problems during the winter to be indoors, but outdoor plumbing is important as well.

If you have a pool, it should be drained and properly closed in the winter. Outdoor hoses and faucets should be shut off completely to avoid leaking and freezing in the cold temperatures.

Outdoor drains should be clear of any debris like leaves so they can drain properly during rain or snow storms. Also, take a peek at them every once in a while during the winter to make sure they look cleared.

These winter-related problems all have one thing in common and that is they can all be prevented with routine maintenance. Having your plumbing routinely inspected ensures that you won’t have to worry about any plumbing issue like these arising. It is incredibly helpful to have routine maintenance scheduled for when the seasons change. This allows a plumber to catch any potential plumbing issue before it arises.

Norfolk Plumbing works hard to ensure that you and your family can enjoy your home without any plumbing worries. Call us to schedule routine maintenance on your plumbing before winter fully settles in! (757) 466-0644

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