Winter plumbing can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a lot that you can do to prevent plumbing issues during the coldest months of the year, and if you know what signs to look out for, you can catch problems early on and minimize potential damages.
Frozen pipes Frozen pipes are incredibly inconvenient, as they can interfere with your access to running water. However, they’re also very dangerous, as the resulting pressure buildup inside the pipe can actually cause it to explode. There are a few signs to look out for that may indicate that your pipes are frozen, including: • Reduced water flow • Weird smells coming from the faucet or drain • Frost accumulation on the pipes If you notice any of these plumbing issues, you should contact a professional immediately. There are also several ways you can prevent your pipes from freezing in the first place. For example, insulating or applying heating tape directly on pipes can minimize the possibility they will freeze. Winter faucet issues Most homes have at least one outdoor faucet, and that’s all it takes to cause potentially serious and costly damage to your home. Any water that remains in these pipes may freeze as colder weather approaches and, because water expands as it turns to ice, this may result in the pipe bursting. Since your outdoor faucets are exposed to the elements, they’re particularly susceptible to this problem. Fortunately, this can be avoided with a few simple precautions. All you need to do is close the shut-off valve to prevent any waterflow to the outdoor faucet, disconnect the hoses and put them away for the winter, and drain the faucet of any residual water. Water heater failure During the winter months, hot water is a precious commodity. But as the temperature drops, your water heater has to work much harder in order to maintain its set temperature, making it more prone to failure. If your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan, which is generally about 10 years, you may want to consider replacing it before it breaks down. Schedule a plumbing repair If you find yourself faced with plumbing problems this winter, reach out to our team at Tiger Plumbing for quick and professional service. We’re available 24/7 and will gladly help you with any necessary basic plumbing repairs. Contact us here to book an appointment today!