How to Avoid Common Plumbing Problems this Winter

It’s always important to make sure your plumbing system is functioning properly, but with winter comes a whole new set of challenges. Avoid these common plumbing problems this winter.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to catastrophic bursts, flooding, and water damage to your home. When temperatures drop, water freezes and expands. This expansion causes a build-up of pressure, and if not caught in time the pipe can break and spring major leaks.

Keep your pipes from freezing by:

  • Insulating them before winter
  • Sealing cracks, openings, and crawl spaces
  • Keeping garage doors closed
  • Opening and closing interior cabinets and doors to increase warm air circulation
  • Keep your heat set at 55 degrees or higher

Water Line Leaks

Similar to the pipes running through your home, the water in your water supply line can freeze and expand causing a leak to occur. Avoid this by:

  • Install a freeze-proof faucet
  • Use an electric heating tape
  • Use insulation to protect your water lines

Broken Water Heaters

Nothing beats a nice, warm bath or shower after a long, cold day. Keep your water heater running properly and avoid a cold shower in the dead of winter.

  • Keep your water heater set at 120 degrees to reduce energy costs and prevent bacteria from forming
  • Protect the water line to your water heater from freezing by insulating it
  • Check the temperature of your water regularly to ensure that it can heat up to the expected temperature
  • Consider replacing your water heater if it is not heating up as necessary or if it around 10 years old

Clogged Drains

Winter brings cold weather, holidays, and usually a lot of visitors. A ton of house guests means a ton of food. This influx of guests and food can lead to an excessive amount of waste in your drains and pipes.

You know not to pour grease and leftovers down your kitchen sink, but does your Aunt Linda realize how much havoc that hot bacon grease can wreak on your drainage system? Keep your drains unclogged and flowing.

  • Dump all cooking and food waste into the trash, and make sure your guests do the same
  • Pour cooking oil into a glass container for disposal, not down the drain
  • Try not to put hard, stringy, or fibrous food into the disposal
  • Run cold water for 10-15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal

Maintain a Healthy Plumbing System

Don’t wait for issues with your plumbing to arise. Take these steps to avoid common winter plumbing issues. If winter causes your plumbing or heating system to go haywire, J Griffin Heating and Plumbing can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your heating and plumbing needs. Call us at (781) 521-2188 or check out our Facebook page to see all the ways J Griffin can help keep your plumbing, water heater, and heating systems functioning all season long.