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How to Avoid Common Plumbing Problems in winter

Plumbing problems tend to occur more often in winter because of cold weather. During cold months, you may need to repair your plumbing more often. But if you know what problems are more likely to occur, you can be prepared and in some cases avoid the problems. In this post, we will focus on some common winter plumbing problems and provide some tips to avoid those problems.

Water heater failures

The most common problem of water heater is sediment build up. You should regularly look inside the tank to see if everything is working well. It is a good idea to hire a plumber who can inspect the equipment the right way. You can flush the tank to remove the sediment.

When the weather is very cold, pilot lights may blow out. Electrical faults can also be the results of power surges or outages. To make sure that your family has easy access to hot water during the cold months, you should immediately call an electrician or a plumber.

Frozen pipes

Builders often install pipes on the outer walls. In cold winters, this can cause some problems. Pipes on the outer walls can freeze and burst when temperatures drop below zero.

If the pipes are used regularly, they are less likely to freeze. During the day, water runs through the pipes. But plumbing problems can still take place over night when water does not flow.

If the walls lack insulation, you can add insulation to solve this problem. To wrap the pipes, you can use fiberglass or foam. You can reduce the risk to a great extent by improving air circulation. For this, you can keep drawers and cabinets around the piping open. You can also avoid this problem if you keep significant space for insulation and air flow. Consider this when you design your home.

Clogged septic tanks

A clogged septic tank can lead to a host of problems. If you empty the tank regularly, you can avoid the problem to a great extent. Dig out or temporarily remove the lid to pump your septic tank. In the cold months, you may find this task challenging.

Repairs can be lengthy and a bit difficult if the tank overflows and the pipes burst. You can avoid many hazards if you schedule a pumping way before winter sets in, preferably in the fall. There are some less effective ways to reduce the build up. One such way is to use additives. Pumping is a better option because it not only removes the solids but also makes your septic system more efficient.

Exterior plumbing fixtures

Extremely cold weather can severely damage you exterior plumbing fixtures, but in most cases these problems are noticed in spring. If you do not properly prepare your water valves and hose bibs for winter, there is a great chance that severe cold will deteriorate them within a short time.

To provide good insulation, you should properly wrap exposed pipes. Wet weather can damage valves, pipes and connections. Screens and pipe wraps can be used to protect these areas.

Your hose bibs should be drained completely. For cold months, bringing detachable components into the house is a great idea. Your sprinkler system should be ready for winter. An irrigation specialist can help you do that.

Poor heating

We don’t use boiler systems during summer. We leave them unused for months and then suddenly start using them during winter. This sudden use may lead to breakdowns. If you notice that you are not getting enough heating from your boiler, may be the power source is not working well. A professional plumber can easily fix the problem. If you do not have enough knowledge about heating system, it is not a very good idea to try to fix it yourself. Hiring a professional plumber is a better option because a professional can easily identify the problem and fix the problem safely.