As winter approaches, expect a variety of plumbing pipe problems to happen more often. One reason for this is that water freezes in lower temperatures, and having frozen water in your pipes may lead to potential damage and more. So, to prepare for the colder months, you should know some common winter plumbing issues you might encounter. Here are some of them:
1. Clogged Drains
Because of the holidays, your drains at home will work twice as hard, making plumbing issues more likely to occur. To prevent this, avoid letting food scraps and grease go down the drain. Plus, even if you have a garbage disposal, ensure that anything that can block or damage your pipes is thrown in the trash bin.
2. Frozen Indoor and Outdoor Pipes
During colder months, indoor and outdoor water supply pipes tend to freeze. If this happens, your pipes may end up leaking or breaking entirely, causing inconvenience in the household. Because of this, it’s important to winterize your plumbing system early.
You can insulate your water supply lines to prevent them from freezing over. Besides that, leaving your faucets slightly on is also helpful in relieving your indoor pipes’ pressure. If you’re unfamiliar with your home plumbing system, you can reach out to your local plumber for help.
3. Leaking Septic Tanks
Since your septic lines and tanks are located underground, it’s usual for them to freeze during frigid weather. If this happens, your home drainage system may malfunction, which might lead to costly repairs. You can prevent this by avoiding compact snow from accumulating on top of the tanks and driving where the tank is. Aside from that, it would be best to have a professional do a check-up before the winter.
4. Water Heater Failure
Hot water is essential during winter. But, higher demand for your water heater during this time also adds to its wear and tear, making it more prone to breaking down. So, it’s crucial to keep your heater well-maintained always. If you haven’t done that yet, you may schedule an inspection with a professional to make sure everything works properly.
Reach Out to a Trusted Plumber
Learning about common winter plumbing issues helps you prepare once the colder months set in. If you need reliable plumbing repairs and maintenance in Madison, WI, get in touch with HJ Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection. Our team of experts will gladly assist you with your plumbing needs!