Although plumbing problems can occur at any time of year, certain immediate plumbing issues seem to occur most frequently in the winter. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to be prepared should the worst take place. Here are some typical immediate plumbing issues and what you can do to prevent them from occurring.
Freezing Pipes
If you’ve been a homeowner in our climate for any length of time, then you should know about freezing pipes. Most often, pipes will freeze when they are located in an exterior wall. Typically, homeowners can insulate pipes or wrap them with heat tape; leave cabinet doors open so heat will get inside; use space heaters where pipes are most vulnerable; and turn up the heat on nights when extremely low temperatures are forecasted.
As you’re no doubt aware, once pipes freeze, the ice inside can expand, causing the pipes to burst and flood your home.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can occur anytime, but if you’re having company, with many people using the tub and sinks and flushing the toilet repeatedly, then the sewer line can become clogged, particularly if it’s an older type of line. Ask your guests to not flush anything other than toilet paper so you don’t have any immediate plumbing issues with a backed-up toilet. Also, take care when it comes to washing oily substances down the kitchen or bathroom drains. If guests are going to help clean up after a meal, ask them to not toss fibrous foods, which can damage garbage disposal blades, or starchy foods, which can form a clog.
Frozen Sewer Lines or Septic Tanks
Falling temperatures can freeze the ground as well as the septic tank. When that happens, waste can expand and burst the lines. If you’ve had trouble with the sewer lines or septic tank, try to get the problem fixed before extremely cold temperatures occur.
Broken Water Heaters
This may not occur directly due to cold weather, but it sure is an inconvenience when it does, because who wants to take a cold shower when the weather is freezing?
For more on immediate plumbing issues, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
