Top Plumbing Issues in the Winter
The wintertime comes with a lot of positives. You get to take the kids sledding. You can make snowmen. You can even go ice skating. However, you’ll probably face a few negatives if you own a home in the greater Detroit area. Check out these top plumbing issues in the winter.
Frozen Indoor Pipes
Frozen indoor pipes can happen to anybody. They result from a variety of factors and are most common on exterior walls. They’re dangerous and can lead to cracking or bursting which creates major water leaks. Here are some things you can do to prevent your indoor pipes from freezing:
- Use your faucets regularly.
- Leave cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air in.
- Insulate your pipes along exterior walls.
- Invest in pressure relief valves.
It’s crucial to conduct preventative maintenance, as it’s much more cost-effective than having to shell out money to fix a burst pipe due to freezing.
Frozen Outdoor Pipes
Frozen outdoor pipes are another common plumbing issue that occurs in the winter season. When pipes freeze on the exterior of your home, it’s not always something you can control. Many times, your municipality fails to prevent sewer lines from freezing. Here are some things you can do to decrease the risk of outdoor pipes freezing:
- Winterize your hose bibs.
- Invest in frost-free hose bibs.
- Contact your local municipality if you suspect a larger plumbing issue outside of your home.
Clogged Kitchen Drains
One odd side effect of winter is that people find themselves cooking much more food. This leads to larger amounts of food in the kitchen sink drain, meaning clogged kitchen drains are more common in the colder months. This is one of the most preventable top plumbing issues in the winter. Here’s how to prevent it from happening to you:
- Clean garbage disposals regularly.
- Let disposals run for 15 to 30 seconds after inserting food.
- Clean your drain often and avoid putting too much food down the disposal.
