Learning about some of the most common winter plumbing problems can help you prevent any problems before they arise. At Murrayville Plumbing, we want to help ensure that you and your home are ready for the winter season. That is why we offer a wide range of plumbing services, including plumbing maintenance for common winter plumbing problems.
Common Winter Plumbing Problems and How to Prevent Them
Some of the most common winter plumbing problems that you should look out for and how to prevent them include:
1. Clogged Drains Caused by Grease and Food Particles
While it is important to always be careful when disposing of food scraps down the sink drain because grease, oil, and fat from certain foods should never enter the plumbing system, food can accumulate in pipes more easily during the winter months. Even with a garbage disposal, grease and food particles can cause significant damage to the pipes in your home.
To prevent sink drains from becoming clogged, consider placing a drain screen at the bottom of the sink drain to catch any particles that would normally get into the pipes. In the event that the sink drain is already clogged, try pouring a mixture of hot water and dish soap down the drain to break up small blockages. If the clogging keeps happening or will not go away, you should call a professional plumber to point out and solve the specific problem.
2. Frozen Pipes
Due to high water pressure from the main line mixed with below-freezing temperatures, frozen pipes are an extremely common winter plumbing problem. If you notice a change in water flow during the winter, it could be a sign of your home having frozen pipes.
If you think you have a frozen pipe in your home, leave the tap open slightly to allow water flow, as this can help reduce pressure and stop the pipes from freezing. If a frozen pipe in your home ends up bursting, turn off the main valve immediately to prevent additional flooding in your home. You can then call a licensed plumber to properly assess and address the problem.
3. Hot Water Heater Failure
During the winter months, the hot water heater in your home will work extra hard to keep up with the colder temperatures. When the hot water heater is set at a high temperature for weeks and months on end, it can cause faster wear and tear and can lead to improper water temperatures, low flow, or loss of hot water supply to appliances.
If you find that you are suddenly left without hot water, you should contact a professional plumber to check and repair or replace your water heater as soon as possible.
To learn more common winter plumbing problems, please contact Murrayville Plumbing at 778-888-6451 or by filling out a form on our website. Murrayville Plumbing in Langley is proud to serve the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley seven days a week. In addition to our plumbing services, we are also happy to offer heating, gas, and commercial services.