8 Common Plumbing Issues You Don’t Want to Ignore This Winter
While you can prevent many plumbing issues with proper maintenance, others are unavoidable. In the winter, these issues tend to increase. Water pipes can freeze and burst when the weather gets cold. Burst pipes can cause damage quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for these common plumbing issues because they could become costly and inconvenient plumbing issues if you’re not careful. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems in the winter and tips for how to fix them.
1. Frozen Pipes
As the temperatures drop, one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face is frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause pipes to crack or break. In addition, frozen water can block water flow through the pipes, which can lead to flooding if the ice melts suddenly. To prevent frozen pipes, it is important to keep the temperature in your home above freezing at all times.
You should also insulate exposed pipes and disconnect any hoses from outdoor faucets. Experts from HB Home Service Team can help insulate your pipes and inspect them to ensure they are not at risk of freezing. If your pipes are frozen, contact HB Home Service Team to safely and quickly unfreeze them.
2. Clogged Drainage System
There are many reasons why your drainage system may be clogged, but the most common reason is because of leaves and debris. When leaves and debris fall into your gutters, they block the water flow and cause your drain to back up. In some cases, tree roots can also grow into your drains and cause a blockage. Additionally, the cold weather can cause the water in your pipes to freeze, leading to a clog.
If you suspect your drainage system is clogged, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. A plumber can quickly assess the problem and recommend a course of action. The plumbing expert can safely and effectively clear the blockage in most cases, restoring your drains to proper working order. However, in some cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary.
3. Backups From Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are essential to any home’s plumbing system, but they can also be frustrating when they fail to work properly. Sump pumps are designed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces. However, they can become overwhelmed when snow and ice melt quickly during winter. The pump becomes overloaded and unable to keep up with the water flowing into the sump pit.
As a result, water can start to back into the home, causing flooding and damage. An expert plumber can help ensure that your sump pump is the correct size for your home and that the device is properly maintained. Consider installing a backflow valve on your sump pump to help prevent water from flowing back into your home. And finally, if you do experience a backup, be sure to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to have the issue resolved.
4. Frozen Septic Lines or Tank
This can happen when water in the septic line freezes and expands, causing the line to crack or rupture. In some cases, the entire septic tank may freeze, resulting in a complete loss of sewage disposal. While frozen septic lines or tank are often caused by cold weather, they can also happen because of faulty plumbing or a leak in the septic system. If you suspect that your septic system is frozen, it is important to contact experts from HB Home Service Team as soon as possible.
A plumber will be able to thaw the frozen line or tank and repair any damage that has been done. Professional plumbers from HB Home Service Team insulate the tank and all the adjacent pipes to keep the temperature inside the tank consistent, preventing the water from freezing.
5. Poor Water Heating
There are a few different reasons for this. First, water heaters have to work harder in the winter because the water coming into them is colder. Second, if the thermostat on your water heater is set too low, it can lead to insufficient hot water. Finally, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank over time, which can act as insulation, making it harder for the heater to do its job.
6. Clogged Kitchen Drains
The cold weather can cause everything from grease and soap scum to food scraps and coffee grinds to harden and build up in your pipes. In addition, cold weather can cause pipes to contract, which can lead to hair and other debris becoming caught in the drain. As a result, your drains can become clogged, leading to slow drainage and, eventually, water backup.
Some simple tips include being careful about what you put down the drain, running hot water regularly to prevent pipes from freezing and using a drain cover to catch hair and other debris. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent clogged kitchen drains and other plumbing issues from occurring in your home.
7. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by various factors, including frozen pipes, leaks, and sediment buildup. A potential cause of low water pressure is a leak in the system. Even a small leak can reduce water pressure significantly. If you suspect that there may be a leak, it’s important to have a plumber repair it as soon as possible. Sediment buildup is another cause. Over time, minerals can build up in the pipes, reducing flow. This problem is likely to occur more frequently if you have hard water.
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check to see if the main valve is turned on. Next, check for leaks in the system. If you suspect that there may be a frozen pipe, thaw it out as soon as possible. If you’re still having problems with low water pressure, it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance.
8. Frozen Water Inside Well Pump
This can happen when the water inside the well pump expands and freezes, causing the pump to overheat and potentially break. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to insulate the well pump and any exposed pipes. You can do this by wrapping the pipes in foam insulation or placing them inside a heated space. If a frozen water line occurs, it’s important to thaw it out slowly and to carefully avoid damaging the pipe. A professional plumber can help with this process and ensure that your well pump is properly insulated to prevent future issues.
Rely on the Professionals
As the weather gets colder, it’s vital to be aware of common plumbing issues that can occur in your home. By taking some preventative steps and knowing what to look for, you can avoid major problems. The best way to deal with these plumbing problems is to get in touch with a professional team like HB Home Service Team. Our team is experienced in plumbing repair, maintenance, and installation — no job is too big or too small for us.
By entrusting your home’s plumbing needs to us, you can rest assured that your home will stay comfortable and safe all winter. We also provide extensive heating, cooling, and plumbing services, including heat pumps, air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, sump pumps, geothermal heating, and boilers in central Maryland and the surrounding areas. Contact HB Home Service Team today for exceptional HVAC and plumbing solutions.
