Winter brings icy temperatures and potential plumbing problems like frozen or burst pipes and water heater issues, causing headaches for homeowners. But, taking a few simple steps to protect your plumbing can save you from costly repairs and water damage.
Winter plumbing issues can be prevented with the right preparation, such as insulating pipes, sealing air leaks, and keeping your home warm. Regularly maintaining your plumbing system is also crucial, especially before winter hits.
Have a professional inspect your pipes, water heater, and other fixtures to catch potential problems and provide peace of mind.
Identifying Common Winter Plumbing Problems
Winter brings unique challenges to your home's plumbing system and knowing what to look for can help you prevent costly damage and stay comfortable during cold months.
Frozen Pipes and Prevention Strategies
Frozen pipes are a major winter plumbing problem, causing them to expand and burst. The obvious signs of a frozen pipe are no water flow or strange noises, so act quickly if you notice these issues.
5 key methods to prevent frozen pipes are:
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation
- Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air reach pipes
- Let faucets drip slightly in freezing weather
- Seal leaks that let cold air in near pipes
- Keep your home heated, even when you're away
Remember, if you find a frozen pipe, don't use open flames to thaw it as this can damage the pipes. Instead, use a hair dryer or heating pad.
Water Heater Challenges During Winter
Your water heater works harder in winter, leading to issues and potential breakdowns. This is why you need to watch for signs of strain such as:
- Not enough hot water, even when the tap runs for a long time
- Strange noises coming from the tank
- Rusty-colored or smelly water
To keep your water heater working well:
- Flush the tank yearly to remove sediment
- Check the pressure relief valve
- Insulate the tank and pipes
- Set the temperature to 120°F for maximum efficiency
- Arrange regular, professional maintenance to ensure components are in top shape
Protecting Outdoor Plumbing Components
Winter can be even tougher on outdoor plumbing and you need to take measures to protect these more exposed parts of your home to avoid costly issues. Here are some important ways to keep your outdoor plumbing safe.
Securing Outdoor Drains and Hose Bibbs
Outdoor drains need special care in cold weather so clear leaves and debris before winter hits as this prevents clogs that can lead to freezing and bursting.
For hose bibbs, start by removing any attached hoses and drain the water completely. You can then cover them with insulated covers which can be bought cheaply from your local hardware store. Consider getting frost-free hose bibbs installed which have a longer stem to keep the shut-off valve inside your warm house.
Don't forget about other outdoor plumbing fixtures like sprinkler systems that need to be blown out and drained. Your outdoor kitchen and pool equipment need ‘winterizing’ too.
Maintenance Tips and Regular Inspections
Regular checks and upkeep are key to avoiding winter plumbing problems and taking a proactive approach can save you money and prevent major issues.
Conducting Thorough Plumbing Inspections
Start by checking all visible pipes for signs of wear or damage, looking for cracks, leaks, or rust spots. Remember to examine pipes in less-used areas like basements or crawl spaces. Also, inspect your water heater for any leaks or odd noises and flush it yearly to remove sediment buildup.
Next, test your water pressure because if it's too high, it can strain your pipes. The ideal pressure is between 40 and 60 psi. You can use a pressure gauge to measure it.
Finally, check your home's main water shut-off valve and make sure it works properly so you can quickly turn off the water supply in case of an emergency.
Practical Steps for Winter Maintenance
Insulate your pipes to prevent freezing by using foam pipe sleeves or heat tape on exposed pipes, paying extra attention to pipes in unheated areas. To reduce the risk of frozen pipes you should also keep your home warm, even when you're away, setting your thermostat no lower than 55°F (13°C).
Other steps to include in your winter maintenance routine are:
- Drain and store outdoor hoses.
- Shut off water to exterior faucets and drain them.
- Let faucets drip slightly on cold nights.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
Emergency Readiness and Managing Sudden Issues
Being prepared and knowing how to respond quickly to winter emergencies can save you from costly damage and stress.
Dealing with Clogged Drains and Leaks
A simple measure is to keep a plunger handy for minor clogs in sinks and toilets and to tackle tougher blockages, try a drain snake or auger. Never use chemical drain cleaners as they can harm pipes.
For leaks, turn off the water supply valve nearest to the problem area and place a bucket under the leak to catch water. You can use plumber's tape for temporary fixes on small pipe leaks but try to get the problem fixed professionally as soon as is convenient.
You should call a plumber for severe clogs or leaks you can't fix, keeping the numbers of a few local services handy for quick access during emergencies.
Immediate Actions for Frozen or Burst Pipes
If you suspect frozen pipes, turn on faucets to relieve pressure and use a hairdryer or heating pad to thaw the frozen section.
For burst pipes, shut off your main water valve right away and open faucets to drain the remaining water from the pipes. Then use towels to soak up spills and a wet vacuum to clear larger amounts of water. Carefully remove any wet items to prevent mold growth and use fans to dry the area.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to ask about your water damage coverage and open a claim. Professional residential plumbers should then be called to fix the pipes and ensure your water system is working correctly.
