How Does Cold Weather Affect My Plumbing: Preparing for Cold Weather
With winter right around the corner, many homeowners are thinking about the impact the colder weather can have on their plumbing systems. From frozen pipes to greater strain on the system due to people spending more time indoors, plumbers tend to see more work during the winter months. Despite the problems winter brings, however, there are ways to prepare your plumbing system, and limit calls to a plumber.
What Happens in the Winter?
1. Frozen Pipes
Not only can frozen pipes stop the flow of water coming into your home, they can also burst, potentially costing thousands of dollars to repair. A burst pipe can also cause issues with mildew and mold, and create a host of issues for a homeowner. If water suddenly stops running in your home, you may have frozen pipes in your home.
2. Clogged Drains
Winter weather can cause things like grease to solidify and clog drains, causing headaches and money. Avoid pouring fats and greases down the drain. If it does happen, use hot water to try and break it up before it solidifies.
3. Water Heater Issues
Another sign of winter’s impact on your plumbing system is issues with your hot water heater. From more use to the supply lines being colder, and needing more energy to be heated, winter can wreak havoc on your water heater, especially if it’s older. It may be worth having a licensed plumber come out and check it out before the cold weather hits, just to make sure you don’t have any issues.
How to Prepare
There are ways to prepare for the cold weather, and here are a few:
- Identify exterior supply lines, and plumbing that runs through unheated spaces. These could be the problem areas when cold weather hits.
- Letting the cold water drip from a faucet supplied by exposed supply lines can keep the water moving, and prevent the line from freezing up.
- If the pipes do freeze, there are steps you can take to remedy the problem. First, keep your faucets open. As the frozen area begins to melt, water will run through the pipes, helping to melt the ice. Using an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater, towels wrapped in hot water, or an electric heating pad, apply heat to the pipe where it appears to be frozen.
- Disconnect garden hoses, and store them for the winter. Water can freeze in a connected garden hose, and create issues throughout a plumbing and water supply system.
- Disconnect and drain lines running to an outdoor pool or pond.
- Run the dishwasher during the day in order to avoid stressing the system when it’s colder at night.
Cold weather experts in the Schererville, IN, area. If you have questions about how to maintain your plumbing system during the winter, or any other plumbing questions for that matter, feel free to reach out to Reichelt Plumbing. Schedule an appointment today at 219-322-4906.