Although it can be daunting, by following Narrow Path Plumbing‘s tips on preparing your plumbing for wintery conditions, you can rest assured knowing your home is equipped to withstand whatever Old Man Winter decides to throw your way. Taking proper precautions concerning your plumbing system and performing routine maintenance will help winterize your home and prevent many plumbing problems.
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS YOUR PLUMBING WORK LIKELY MAY ACT UP IN THE WINTER?
- FROZEN PIPE ISSUES: By taking a few proactive measures, you can decrease the chances of dealing with frozen pipes during the winter. On extra cold nights, let your faucets drip overnight and insulate any exposed pipes in your home. By following these steps now, you can avoid potential plumbing disasters.
- TOILET ISSUES: Did you know toilets are susceptible to freezing and leaks? Extremely cold temperatures may result in a slower flushing process which can lead to clogs, so it’s important to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Additionally, if your bathroom pipes are accessible, you may want to insulate them with pipe insulation to help prevent any issues.
- LEAK ISSUES: A leak, big or small, is never something to be ignored. If you don’t take care of it right away, it will only get worse and cause more damage to your plumbing system. In cold weather, water in pipes can freeze when it encounters the air, which often leads to burst pipes. So, remember to check your home for leaks every so often; it could save you a lot of money and hassle in the future. If you find any leaking fixtures, fix them as soon as possible so that they’re not something you have to worry about later on. Dealing with the issue sooner rather than later is always ideal.
- SUMP PUMP ISSUES: If you don’t take the right precautions after a snowstorm, your sump pump could freeze and overflow when the water starts to thaw. To prevent this from happening, make sure nothing is blocking the pump or near it, so the pump doesn’t get clogged if it falls in. You can also test how well it works by pouring some water into it; if the sump pump doesn’t turn on, give us a call!
- WATER HEATER ISSUES: Servicing your water heater every year is important not just to follow industry standards but also to stop sediment buildup and keep the appliance running correctly. Since water heaters are used more in winter, it’s especially key to do preventive maintenance now.
- DECREASED WATER PRESSURE ISSUES: Water pressure decreases as the temperature outside drops because it is harder for water to flow quickly in cold weather. To avoid any plumbing disasters, get your pipes inspected yearly!
- GUTTER & DRAIN ISSUES: You might not know this, but your gutters and drains are vulnerable to being frozen or blocked by ice and snow. This can create a barrier that stops melted snow from draining properly. 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.
Looking for a plumbing company that can help you this winter? Narrow Path Plumbing offers a wide range of services, from fixing leaks to unclogging drains. So, if you’re having any problems with your plumbing, give us a call, and we’ll sort it out as quickly as possible! Call today at (937) 623-2619 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
