Upper Arlington Plumbing & Drain offers many tips to make sure your plumbing work withstands the winter and common issues. While you can’t always predict or stop impending problems, we are here to help solve any plumbing issue. Our team of experts has seen it all before and will quickly get your home back up and running in no time, whether it’s a sudden pipe burst or a slow drain that gradually gets worse over time. So, please join us as we talk about the 7 most common reasons your plumbing system may give you grief this season.
WHY IS YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM PRONE TO PLUMBING PROBLEMS IN THE WINTER?
- PROBLEMS WITH THE SUMP PUMP: By taking the necessary precautions, you can guarantee that your pump will work this winter when it is needed the most. When the snow melts, it can quickly flood your sump pump, so making sure it is ready to activate and work when it needs to is highly suggested. Furthermore, you should clear away any dirt or loose debris around the sump pump so it won’t get clogged and cause the sump pump to malfunction. You can also check to see if your sump pump activates accordingly by pouring some water into it. If your sump pump still doesn’t activate after following these steps, please reach out to us, and we’d be happy to assist!
- PROBLEMS WITH THE GUTTERS & DRAINS: Drains and gutters are crucial in preventing water damage. Unfortunately, these parts can freeze or get blocked by snow and ice during winter. This creates a barrier that stops melted snow from draining properly, causing clogged gutters and drains. Metal outdoor drains are much stronger than plastic and will not warp under pressure from ice. If you switch to metal drains, you can nip this problem in the bud.
- PROBLEMS WITH FROZEN PIPES: Take care of your pipes now by insulating them with pipe insulation and allowing your faucets to slightly drip water overnight. This will prevent any issues, like frozen pipes, from happening in the first place.
- PROBLEMS WITH THE TOILET: Since water can freeze in the winter, it’s not impossible for toilets to also freeze up. So, keep in mind that it is best to only flush toilet paper down the toilet this season! Water moves at a slower pace when it is cold, which makes it more prone to freezing. Following this tip could keep you from dealing with an unpleasant toilet clog. In addition, if your bathroom pipes are accessible, wrapping them in pipe insulation as an extra measure can help to prevent freezing.
- PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS: Taking care of leaks immediately, regardless of size, can save you both money and future frustration. If neglected, water seepage will gradually worsen over time and cause harm to your plumbing system. So, checking for leaks on a regular basis and repairing them as quickly as you can help avoid any costly disasters later down the road.
- PROBLEMS WITH THE WATER HEATER: Once a year, you should have your water heater serviced to stop sediment from building up and to maintain the machine running properly. Your hot water tank is put under more pressure in winter when we use it more often, so this check-up is essential during those months.
- PROBLEMS WITH DECREASED WATER PRESSURE: Did you know that most plumbing disasters are avoidable? All you have to do is check your pipes before winter! Most people don’t realize that water pressure usually decreases in the winter because molecule movement slows down when it’s cold. Inspecting your pipe annually will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches further down the road!
Avoid any plumbing disasters this winter by staying on top of maintenance with Upper Arlington Plumbing & Drain! From fixing leaks to unclogging drains, our team has you covered. So, if you start to experience any problems, give us a call right away, and we’ll take care of it for you! Call today at (614) 363-1924, or schedule an appointment by clicking here!