Just as people have different reactions to cold weather, plumbing systems respond differently as well. And even if you take all the preventative measures possible, part of being a homeowner means understanding that there will always be an element of unpredictability when it comes to your home’s maintenance. Although you may not be able to stop all plumbing issues from taking place, understanding the seven most common problems can help lower the chances of them happening. Here at Kettering Plumbing & Drain, we want to discuss these typical winter ills with you so that you’re better prepared.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR WATER HEATER?
With the chilly weather arriving, your water heater will be working harder than ever. Keep in mind that when it gets cold outside, your water heater must adjust for the colder temperature by working more. This additional work often leads to strain on your plumbing system. So, have your water heater checked and cleaned every year to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. If you think your home’s water temperature could be hotter, raise the setting a few degrees. However, water heaters set above 125 degrees are dangerous and should never be set higher than that.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR INDOOR PIPES?
Water pipes can freeze and expand in colder weather, which causes a dangerous pressure buildup. Frozen pipes are also more likely to rupture. To help prevent this from happening, leave your faucets turned on slightly during very cold nights so water can flow freely and not freeze. Additionally, it may not have even crossed your mind, but one way to help warm up the pipes under your sink is by keeping your cabinet doors open under the sink open to allow central air in your home access.
If left unchecked, high pressure in your plumbing system can cause extensive damage over time. Water damage may not look like a big problem now, but water damage can evolve, and repairs will be more expensive later on. You’ll not only have repair bills, but you might also need to get new things to replace what was ruined by the water. Another great tip is that operational valves can help reduce pressure and prevent future issues from occurring.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR KITCHEN DRAIN?
The winter holidays are the perfect opportunity to give your kitchen drain some TLC. With all of the cooking, baking, and hosting that takes place during this season, it’s important to make sure your sink and garbage disposal are functioning properly. You don’t want to have to deal with a clog in the middle of preparing dinner for holiday guests!
There are a few things you can do to keep your disposal clean. First, regularly wash it with soap and water; You might even want to consider purchasing special tabs to help with this. Just be sure to follow the instructions on any cleaners or deodorizers exactly. Secondly, never pour grease, thick fluids like oil or heavy sauces, or dense foods down the drain, no matter how tempting it is when you’re trying to clear space on your cutting board or in your pan. Also, as a signal for guests to throw their food scraps in the trash instead of clogging up your sink during parties (or anytime), place a garbage can near or directly in front of the sink so there’s no confusion about where people should put their food waste.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SUMP PUMP?
If your sump pump is in the basement, make sure the temperature there isn’t too cold, or it could cause the sump pump to freeze up. Secondly, keep the vicinity around the sump pump clear of dust, debris, and other bits (like pet hair) which might fall in and clog your sump pump. Lastly, to test it, pour some water into the pit. If it doesn’t work right, give us a call. We can figure out what’s wrong before melting snow or heavy rainfall creates an even bigger problem.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR SEPTIC TANK?
Did you know that septic tanks can freeze in the winter? By ensuring your septic tank is well-covered and prepared for colder weather, you can avoid any plumbing issues like sewage backup from a frozen septic tank. Easy preventative measures go a long way towards sewage backup prevention in chilly conditions.
- If you see the soil around your septic tank starting to erode, add more soil for better insulation. Just be careful not to pack the new soil too tightly so it can settle.
- Beyond its superb insulation, straw is also affordable. So, after you check the soil layer, add more straw to insulate your tank further.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR PIPES?
Even though outdoor fixtures and pipes are designed to be exposed, they can still freeze and possibly burst. To avoid this, detach and drain all garden hoses before winter begins. If it’s already cold outside, don’t worry; you can still take steps to protect your exterior fixtures by using foam hose bibs for added insulation around the outdoor faucet. Furthermore, you can protect your home from water damage by turning off exterior faucets. Exterior walls can experience more water damage because they aren’t as protected as interior ones. When outdoor pipes freeze and expand, it causes cracks and pipe deformation, which then leads to leaks inside your wall that could go unnoticed until it’s too late.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH YOUR OUTDOOR DRAINS?
To avoid your outdoor drains breaking under the weight of ice, it is best to replace plastic pieces with metal ones. Also, keep the area around your drain free from any type of debris so that water can properly drain when the snow melts.
Use these tips from Kettering Plumbing & Drain to avoid plumbing issues as the weather gets colder. If your system does start having problems, don’t worry! We offer emergency plumbing services. So, don’t hesitate to call us at (937) 764-3788 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!