By taking proper precautions concerning your plumbing system, you can winterize your home and help prevent potential winter plumbing problems. However, it’s essential to remember that some issues are impossible to predict or stop, no matter how much maintenance you do. Ohio’s harsh winter weather makes it inevitable sometimes. Although it can be daunting, by following Middletown Plumbing & Drain‘s tips on preparing your plumbing for wintery conditions, you can rest assured knowing your home is equipped to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws our way!
WHY IS YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM LIKELY TO MALFUNCTION DURING WINTER?
- FROZEN PIPE ISSUES: Frozen pipes are common issues during winter, but following a few simple steps can help prevent that. Start by turning your faucets on so they drip overnight during extremely cold weather, and wrap any exposed pipes in insulation material. You’ll reduce the likelihood of your pipes freezing up and bursting. Burst pipes and water damage are definitely something we do not suggest worth risking!
- TOILET OR DRAIN ISSUES: Unlike other parts of your plumbing, toilets are susceptible to winter issues. For instance, sub-zero temperatures can create leaks or a slower flushing process. Therefore, you should only flush toilet paper and no other materials down the toilet. Also, if the pipes going into your bathroom are accessible, you may insulate them with pipe insulation – especially if they have been known to freeze up before.
- LEAK ISSUES: A leak, no matter its size, should never be neglected. If left unaddressed, leaks will only get larger and cause more significant damage to your plumbing system. In freezing weather, especially, water in pipes that lack insulation can freeze when it comes into contact with the outside air, leading to burst pipes. Keep in mind that periodically checking your home for small leaks can save you from a huge headache and higher water bills down the road. Furthermore, if you find any leaky fixtures, it’s best to take care of them immediately so that they’re not something you have to worry about later. Dealing with the issue sooner rather than later is always ideal.
- SUMP PUMP ISSUES: Sump pumps are more likely to freeze in the aftermath of a large snowstorm. If you don’t take proper post-storm precautions, your sump pump could overflow when water starts to thaw, leading to significant damage. To avoid this problem, make sure there’s nothing blocking the pump that could cause it to clog if it falls in. You can also test its efficiency by pouring water into it directly; if the sump pump doesn’t activate, give us a call!
- WATER HEATER ISSUES: Annual servicing and cleaning of your water heater is essential not only because it is recommended by industry standards but also to prevent sediment buildup and ensure the appliance is running smoothly. Water heaters see increased usage in the winter months, so it’s especially important to perform preventative maintenance.
- DECREASED WATER PRESSURE ISSUES: As the temperature decreases, so does your home’s water pressure. This is because colder temperatures make it more difficult for water to flow quickly. By getting plumbing inspections yearly, you can avoid any disasters that may come from a decrease in indoor water pressure.
- GUTTER & DRAIN ISSUES: Most people don’t know that your gutters and drains are vulnerable to destruction from ice and snow. Even though they are built for outside, undesirable weather conditions can still cause these components to wear down. If either of these gets frozen or blocked, it will create a barrier that doesn’t allow melted snow to drain like normal. As a result, you could start having plumbing problems with things like backed-up gutters and drains. To stop this problem before it starts, you should replace any plastic outdoor drains with metal ones. They’re much stronger than plastic and won’t buckle under the pressure of built-up ice.
Middletown Plumbing & Drain is here to help you this winter with any plumbing problems you may have! We offer a wide range of services, from fixing leaks in your home to unclogging drains. So, if you’re having any issues with your plumbing, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’ll get it sorted out ASAP! Call today at (937) 298-9979, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!