The winter offers many different circumstances that can take a toll on the plumbing. From family get-togethers for the holidays, to warm home-cooked meals as well as the increased use of hot water, winter can bring on some rather common problems during the cold months. Below, we at Orsack Plumbing Company has listed the most common plumbing problems experienced during the winter and offer some preventative tips or solutions to the problems after they happen.
Tips to Avoid Winter Plumbing Problems
Frozen Pipes: Freezing temperatures in conjunction with high water pressure frequently results in rapidly frozen pipes. During the winter months, frozen pipes are one of the most common problems. Frozen pipes lead to burst pipes. Unfortunately, frozen pipes can result in severe damage and also go undetected. Light water flow from your shower or sinks can be a red flag your water pipes may be frozen. If you know your pipes are susceptible to freezing, leave the sink’s faucet on very minimally, so much so a slow rhythmic drip occurs. Doing this will keep a water flow and reduce the pressure. To prevent freezing, insulate the pipes. If you suspect that your pipes are freezing, contact a professional immediately.
Water Heater Breakdown: Due to cold temperature changes, the hot water heater can experience failure during the winter months. Because the overall temperature of the water drops from the water coming into the heater being colder, it becomes more of a challenge for the heater to warm it back up. The water heater has to compensate for the dropping temperatures, increasing the demand on the performance to get the hot water. Additionally, the water heater is frequently used more so during the winter as people rely on the hot water to stay warm. Due to the excessive during the winter months, the water heater is more likely to fail with the extra build-up or when a part deteriorates. Once the heater has broken down, an experienced plumber can evaluate the condition and make the necessary repairs. To minimize the odds of water heater failure, set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and reduce your hot water usage.
Clogged Drains from Grease & Food Particles: The holiday season in addition to eat warm home-cooked meals during the winter causes more cooking than the rest of the year. When hosting large gathering s for the holidays especially, the kitchen often gets far more use. More often than not, people chose to cook up more of the greasier foods and during the cooking process and cleanup, the grease and food debris makes its way into the kitchen sink. The effects of the buildup often go undetected until accumulation of grease and food particles have accumulated so much so that obstructions in the piping occur. Not only will the pipes take a negative impact from the substances, but the garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle the grease or too much debris. To prevent the buildup, avoid pouring any oil or grease down the drain. Avoid running fibrous foods through the garbage disposal, in fact, whenever possible; toss the bulky food remnants in the trash. If you are experiencing an issue with the garbage disposal or clogged drains, call in your plumber as quickly as possible to resolve the issue.
Plumbing Inspections, Repairs & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
There are many other problems that occur to the plumbing during the winter months, these are just a few of the most common examples. When you experience problems with your plumbing, call in the experts of Orsack Plumbing Company today and let our experienced professionals get your plumbing operating at its full potential.
