Solutions to Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Winter can be particularly hard on home plumbing. Colder temperatures and frequent houseguests can cause plumbing emergencies at the most inopportune of times. Knowing how to avoid or solve some of the most common winter plumbing issues can help make your holiday season less stressful and prevent wasted water or damage to your home.

Clogged Toilets and Drains

During the winter holidays, many homes host parties and a steady stream of guests and relatives. If you’re expecting guests, you may also be expecting clogged toilets and drains. However, there are a few simple solutions that can help you prevent this costly and embarrassing plumbing problem. Provide clean, empty trash cans in every bathroom so guests won’t be tempted to dispose of garbage down the toilet. Place mesh drain traps in bathtubs and showers to catch hair and other debris before it can wash down the drain and cause a clog. You can maintain clear pipes in your home by using an eco-friendly drain cleaner or a homemade solution with ingredients found in your kitchen. Using these solutions regularly can prevent buildup that eventually leads to sluggish or backed-up pipes. It’s also important to make sure you are using your disposal properly when cleaning up after holiday meals. Never put hard items such as bones, fruit rinds, or corn cobs down your disposal. Keep cooking grease and fat in a separate container to be thrown out with solid waste. Pouring hot grease down the drain where can quickly form a stubborn clog when it cools and congeals in your pipes. Other items you should avoid putting into your disposal include coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and eggshells.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

Below-freezing temperatures can spell trouble for exposed plumbing pipes. Water expands as it freezes, causing pipes to clog and burst. You can avoid this common wintertime plumbing problem by insulating any exposed pipes in or around your home. Purchase insulation sleeves or insulating tape at a hardware store to pipes located outdoors or in unheated areas of your home from the cold. If you are expecting a freeze but can’t get to the store, wrap your pipes with blankets or towels instead. Alternatively, you can prepare for freezing weather by opening faucets connected to outdoor pipes just slightly, so that you can see a steady drip of water. This small but steady flow will help to prevent water in the pipe from freezing. Leave the faucet open until the temperature rises above freezing once more. If you will be going out of town, protect the pipes inside your home by maintaining an indoor temperature of 55 or higher. Never turn off your heat completely if you won’t be home when the forecast calls for freezing temperatures.

Taking the steps to avoid winter plumbing issues will prevent emergency calls to your plumber. Click through our blog for more tips to help you keep your plumbing problem-free all year long. If you need to contact a professional plumber for help or would like to learn more about our full range of plumbing, sewer, and drain services in Houston, please visit us on the web.