Broken Arrow's cold winter weather tends to amplify certain plumbing issues. Knowing more about these winter plumbing issues, including how to prevent them, helps you save time and money on repairs. Here's a closer look at the common winter plumbing problems you may encounter.
Frozen Pipes
It's not unusual for outdoor and indoor pipes to freeze during the winter months. You can have a buildup of water around your outdoor spigots. Frigid temperatures can make the water freeze, which leads to excess pressure, which can cause your pipes to break or leak.
To prevent your pipes from freezing, disconnect all your garden hoses from exterior taps. Use insulated faucet jackets to cover the taps. If some of your water pipes run along exterior walls behind cabinets, open the cabinets at night to allow warm air to reach them.
Clogged Drains
Increased kitchen use in the winter can cause significant chaos in your plumbing system. Food accumulates more easily in your pipes during the winter.
If your home lacks a garbage disposal, you should throw as many food particles as possible into the trash. Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should throw any questionable food scraps in your trash bin, because your winter comfort foods could solidify in your pipes. Also, grease can significantly damage your pipes. Avoid pouring it down the disposal or drain.
Failing Water Heater
The temperature drop can overtax your water heater. You may suddenly have no hot water due to several reasons. The pilot light on your gas water heater may have gone out. The temperature gauge may not be at the right temperature. Excess residue may also be seeping into your water tank and overstraining your system. You can avoid significant problems by having your heater looked at by a professional early in the season.
Even if you don't have a winter plumbing issue now, it's always a good idea to schedule preventive maintenance to make sure your plumbing system is ready for the winter. For more information on winter plumbing concerns, contact the experienced plumbers at Air Assurance. We offer a range of plumbing services, including repairs, remodels, and a Plumbing Service Plan to ensure your Broken Arrow-area home's plumbing system works correctly.