Winter is often the most favorite season of people around the world. After all, it is a season full of festivities, holidays, blue skies, and some extra excuses for curling up by the fire. But when it comes to plumbing systems, winter is often the most dangerous season.
If you do not take adequate preventive measures, the winter season can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and your entire house. And no homeowner would look forward to this adventure, especially when the holiday season is right around the corner.
In this post, you will find out about four most common plumbing problems that you may experience during this season, along with tips on how to prevent these problems.
Water Heater Breakdown
One of the plumbing essentials without which you cannot survive during winters is the water heater. But given the increase in the demand for hot water, this plumbing fixture is most susceptible to failure, particularly during the winter season.
During the winter season, it is only natural to use hot water for showers. Moreover, the demand for hot water to perform other chores, such as laundry and dish washing, also increases. Additionally, if you have guests staying over during the holiday season, the demand can multiply. An increased demand, combined with significant changes in the temperatures, can put considerable strain on your water heating system.
How to Deal with it?
Perhaps, the best way to avoid inconvenience during the winter season is to have your water heater inspected before the winter season sets in. An inspection by a professional plumber can help you identify any potential problems with your water heater that may lead to failure during the winter season. Moreover, a professional plumber will guide you about how insulating your water heater and pipes that supply warm water can reduce the risk of water heater failure during the winter season.
Water Line Breakage
Another common plumbing problem that most homeowners face during the winter season is water line breakage. Due to temperature changes, the pipes tend to expand and contract. Moreover, when the temperatures drop significantly, it can lead to frozen pipes.
In either case, your plumbing system becomes more fragile and susceptible to breakage and leakage. This results in water damage that is costly to repair and can cause a lot of inconveniences, particularly during the holiday season.
How to Deal with it?
The best way to deal with water line breakage and frozen pipes is to be proactive and insulate all your water pipes, mainly outdoor water pipes. You can easily do it yourself by wrapping an insulating sleeve on your pipes. If you are unsure which type of insulation will best serve your needs, it is best to consult a professional plumber.
Moreover, for outdoor plumbing fixtures such as garden hose, it is best to disconnect them and put them again during the winter season. As you disconnect, don’t forget to drain the pipes.
Blocked Gutters
Very often, winters are unexpected. There is a day when you wake up and fall in love with the clear blue sky where you can go for a morning walk without a jacket. And within the next two days, you are hit by the weather where you are forced to stay indoors. And when this happens, only then do you realize that you still haven't cleared the gutters.
It is very common for homeowners to delay this task unnecessarily. As a result, the gutters are clogged. Moreover, in areas that experience snowfall, the problem multiplies when the snow falls on top of the accumulated debris. As a result, your plumbing system suffers.
How to Deal with it?
The best way to deal with the situation is to be proactive and clean your gutters before the weather changes. If you are not sure how to go about it, it is best to contact a professional plumber.
Sump Pump Failures
Apart from the water heaters, which are mainly installed in your basement, another prominent plumbing fixture is the sump pump. It is a pump that prevents flooding into the house. If your sump pump is not working correctly, it can lead to an overflow in your home or crack your existing pipes. During the winter season, when the entire family is busy with holiday décor, the sump pump is often neglected and can cause a plumbing catastrophe right before the holiday season.
How to Deal with it?
One of the most effective ways to deal with sump pump failure is preventive maintenance. You need to schedule plumbing maintenance to ensure that all your plumbing appliances in the basement, including your sump pump, are fully functional so you can truly enjoy your holidays this winter season.
Regular Plumbing Maintenance
While regular plumbing maintenance is a must throughout the year, it is even more important, mainly when it is cold. Unfortunately, as the holiday season arrives, often homeowners are so preoccupied with other preparations that house plumbing is usually the last item on the to-do list—no wonder the inevitable plumbing disasters are so common during the winter season.
Regular plumbing maintenance is a quick fix that can save you from a lot of trouble. With regular maintenance, you not only keep your plumbing fixtures in the right shape but can also detect potential problems in your plumbing system before they lead to a disaster.
If you are looking for a reliable, professional plumber in Arizona who offers preventive and corrective plumbing services, choose none other than Mesa Plumbing. With the lowest price guaranteed, our competent staff is just a call away. To schedule an appointment, call now at 480-832-1660.