3 Common Plumbing Issues on Winter & How to Prevent Them

June signals the arrival of winter, and with it comes some of your dreaded plumbing-related issues. You may encounter plumbing issues anytime, but winter worsens the situation. During colder months, ground temperatures drop. Because cold temperatures cause hot water consumption to increase, plumbing issues result.

Maintain your plumbing system in good condition for the next season. Prevent these problems by following a few tips to help you get through the winter.

Water Heater Problems

A water heater is essential for your home, especially during the cold months. Water in your plumbing system is colder than usual during the winter. And water heaters have to endure most of the stress.

The cold season makes us want to pump more hot water. And over time, the temperature of the water from your heater decreases. Hence, the need for repair or replacement of your water heaters increases.

Prevention

Pre-winter inspection

Pre-winter maintenance is one way to monitor your water heater. It can help prevent your water heater from encountering plumbing issues over the winter.

Check your water heater for indications of trouble. These signs include bends, cracks, leaks, or anything that may look unusual. It is also best to check for sediment buildup.

If your water heater takes longer than usual to generate hot water, it is recommended to check for sediment buildup. Drain your tank to check for any more signs of buildup. Longer heating time is just one sign, there could be other issues that need to be addressed.

Maintenance

You use water heaters more than usual during winter. But maintenance of your water heater should be all year round, not only in the winter.

Also ensure that the rest of the area surrounding your water heater is in good condition. Look for any signs of water damage, an indicator of leaking. Immediately have it checked before it can progress into something worse.

Drain your water heater

If you live in an area with hard water, your water heater is prone to sediment buildup and causes rusting. Prevent this problem by draining your water heater and checking it for any signs of rust. If you find significant signs of wear, immediately have it fixed or replaced.

Faucet Leaks

Winter is also a time for family gatherings and holiday feasts. And some parts of your home that see more action during winter months are your faucets.

With more people in your home, there are more hands to wash and the repeated use of your faucets as you prepare a big meal. Your toilets take as much beating as the rest, as well. And you may end up having to deal with a few leaks.

Water leaks can result in hidden water damage and mould growth. Check your fixtures and have any issues repaired as soon as possible.

Prevention

Insulating your pipes

Insulate your pipes to keep them warm. The insides of your pipes and water systems can freeze during winter, which causes them to burst. Insulators trap the warmth and help shield your pipes from the frigid winds.

The pipes in your attics, crawl spaces and outdoor walls are the most vulnerable. And they are at risk whenever there is a drop in the temperature. Fibreglass insulation is best at trapping heat and for pipes transporting hot water.

Check out: 5 Types of Plumbing Pipes You Should Know as a Homeowner

Fixing existing water leaks

If you leave all these water leaks unfixed before winter, you will likely meet a bigger problem. Scan all areas of your home, and check each to make sure that there are no leaks. If you spot any problem, you can hire a professional plumber to help your address the issue.

Keep your garden hose

Your garden hose is also connected to your plumbing system. Disconnecting the hose and storing it away from the winter is best. Water left inside your hose can freeze and expand, affecting the connected pipes and faucets and causing cracks and burst pipes.

Seal off any valves

The pipes leading away from your house's heating system are prone to freezing and bursting. Sealing off outdoor pipes may protect your home's plumbing during the cold season. If you do not want to use your outdoor faucets during winter, turn them off through shut-off valves.

Clean your outdoor drains

Leaves and debris from autumn can clog your outdoor drains and block your gutters. If not cleaned, water will be stuck in the drain and freeze. Clean your drains through autumn and winter to remove any potential blockage so water can flow freely through the drainage.

Frozen Pipes

The last thing you want is an indoor flood on a cold day. Burst pipes are a common problem during winter, and the change in the temperature can cause the water inside your pipes to freeze and thaw. Pressure buildup due to frequent temperature changes damages your pipes or joints.

Prevention

Insulating your pipes

Insulating your pipes is also to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Lets faucets drip

Leave some of your faucets running to prevent ice blockages from forming in your plumbing. You need not turn on all the faucets and determine the ones fed by exposed piping. Running water produces a small amount of heat due to the friction of its constant movement, making it difficult for water to freeze.

Seal any cracks and openings

Drafts from holes, cracks or any opening inside your home can also freeze your water systems. Check your windows, door frames, and any cable holes in your walls and floors. Seal any openings, caulk, cracks, or holes around your piping on the exterior and interior walls.

Check this out: Top 15 Plumbing Tips from Master Plumbers

Use heating tapes

Apply electrical heating tapes to the pipe for your exposed piping systems. Heating tapes help keep heat, especially for pipes in unheated or outer locations.

Heating tapes either come with self-monitoring or manual. Self-monitoring heating tapes are equipped with a sensor that can turn on and off by itself. The sensor detects whenever the pipe needs more heat, and the manual heating tape needs to be plugged in whenever heat is needed.

When installing electrical heating tapes, ensure that you follow instructions given by the manufacturer. And observe precautions and other safety procedures when applying to your pipe systems.

Welcome the cold season without having to worry about your plumbing system. Follow some of these tips to prevent and protect your pipes from winter. You can also consult a professional plumber near you if you are unsure what to do.