Since at least 2500 B.C., humans have enjoyed indoor plumbing. But despite the convenience and comfort of indoor plumbing, it’s not without its problems. Plumbing problems can occur at any time during the year, but they seem to be more frequent during the winter months. So to help ensure your winter goes by plumbing-problem-free, let’s explore a few common issues all homeowners should know about.
Clogged drains: Drains have the tendency to get clogged more often during the winter months. Whether it’s from more cooking being done around the holidays, drains being used more often with guests in town, or any other reason, clogged drains are never good. A home’s drainage system can only handle so much use before it needs professional drain repair. So always be mindful of what kind of substances you’re putting down the drain and if you notice drains backing up, call a plumbing company right away.
Frozen pipes: Without proper insulation, pipes can freeze during the colder weather. When the water freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. Unfortunately, this can result in a leak or a full-on flood. This is why it’s important to have a plumbing company take a look at your pipes and figure out which ones need extra insulation. Taking this precautionary step can save you from having to deal with burst pipes and basement flooding.
Water heater problems: When the temperatures drop, the use of hot water tends to increase. And while there’s nothing like a nice, hot shower on a cold winter day, overusing the water heater can lead to problems or even total failure. Water heaters should never be set too high but if you notice the temperature is remaining the same but the water is cold, it’s time to call a plumbing company. Water heater repair or installation can be done fairly quickly so you can go back to enjoying the hot water.
While there is no good time for a plumbing problem, winter is perhaps one of the worst times. The cold weather makes dealing with clogged drains or no hot water even worse than usual. So keep these common issues in mind and have a plumbing company on speed dial in case something goes wrong.