Winter can wreak havoc on a plumbing system. Add frigid temperatures to increased demand, as the whole family hibernates indoors for months, waiting for spring, and your pipes and water-based appliances start to feel those “winter blues” too. Though spring is right around the corner, there are still some chilly temps to deal with and plumbing issues to be on the lookout for.

Can cold weather clog drains? Unfortunately, the answer is “yes.” Among other cold-weather plumbing problems, ice can build up and create blockages or worsen already present clogs.

Homeowners who’ve neglected regular plumbing maintenance throughout the year, shrugging off minor issues as “no big deal,” can see those issues intensify during the cold weather months.

At Total Mechanical Systems, Connecticut’s plumbing experts, we’re here to help keep your system running smoothly throughout the season with our winter plumbing tips. Be on the lookout for these common winter plumbing problems, and take action immediately if you notice anything amiss in these areas.

Frozen Pipes

One of the most common cold-weather plumbing problems is frozen pipes. Poorly insulated or exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces are especially vulnerable to freezing. That means they’re in danger of bursting, and trust us, you want to avoid that mess at all costs.

Left unaddressed, a burst pipe can cause costly water damage to your property — we’re talking thousands of dollars in repairs — and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. However, frozen or burst pipes don’t always announce themselves with a “bang.”

How to Prevent Frozen Sewer Pipes

Like your home’s pipes, your sewer lines can also freeze—and, potentially, burst. Freezing weather can direct ice into your drain system, and if unused for extended periods, these pipes can burst. In the end, you may find yourself searching the web for a “house plumber near me” to unclog a frozen sewer pipe. However, here are tips to prevent freezing sewer lines:

Bury Below the Frost Line: Ensure that the sewer line is buried beneath the frost line; contact a professional plumber if you need help knowing the location and depth of your sewer line.
Keep Water Moving: Pipes that have water constantly flowing through them are less likely to freeze. If you are away on vacation for the winter, you may want to keep your faucets trickling water to prevent freezing.
Ensure Gutters are Debris-Free: Clean your gutters to keep them and your drain grates free of twigs, leaves, and other types of debris.

Clogged Drains

You know better than to wash oil and grease down your drains, but we understand that sometimes, stuff happens. And as you now know, cold weather can clog drains. Pipes collect debris, whether it’s hair, soap scum, or sludgy cooking substances that build up over time. When cold weather hits, anything stuck in pipes can stiffen, solidify, or combine with frozen water to leave you with a fully stopped-up sink or shower.

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

Follow these tips to prevent drain blockages and additional plumbing issues:

Tip #1: Keep grease, fat, oil, bones, coffee grounds, and other clog-forming items out of the garbage disposal. Throw these items in the trash instead.
Tip #2: Run ice in your garbage disposal to keep the system clean and functioning properly.
Tip #3: Run cold water while using the garbage disposal and after (for 15 to 30 seconds).

Water Heater Woes

While cold weather can clog drains and freeze pipes, there is one more cold weather plumbing problem to watch for: water heater deterioration and malfunctions. Your water heater works extremely hard throughout the year, but in the winter months, it goes into overdrive to meet the increased demand for hot showers, heavy loads of laundry, and dishes. That additional wear and tear can lead to a water heater breakdown, especially if you’ve skipped seasonal maintenance over the past year or longer.

If you notice inconsistent water temperatures, hear strange sounds coming from the water heater, or observe signs of leakage around the base of the appliance, act fast. A busted water heater, like a burst pipe, is a mess no homeowner wants to deal with — no matter the season.

Reach Out to a Professional

There’s certainly no shortage of cold weather plumbing problems. Cold weather can clog drains, create frozen shower drains or pipes, and cause a lot of trouble with your water heater tank. Fortunately, you don’t have to frantically search the internet for an “emergency plumber near me now,” since Total Mechanical Systems is here to help whenever you need us.

For more information or to get help with a frozen pipe, clogged drain, or worn-down water heater this winter, or any plumbing issue or to schedule plumbing maintenance, call Total Mechanical Systems. Our team is available to provide reliable, professional plumbing maintenance or repair services throughout the majority of Connecticut.
Avoid your plumbing getting the winter blues and reach out to us today!

Source: https://whippleplumbing.com/how-winter-affects-your-plumbing-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/