Winter’s chill ushers in a new season of plumbing woes. Luckily, the most common problems are preventable with proper preparation. A professional will offer the fastest and most effective solutions for more serious issues.
MVP Plumbing is one of the most trusted plumbers in Rosemont, PA. Our experienced team offers fast and reliable service, even in Pennsylvania’s frostiest months.
Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the most common seasonal issues and understand how to prepare for winter plumbing emergencies
Common Winter Plumbing Problems in Rosemont, PA, and How To Handle Them
The range of winter pipe and drain issues varies in severity. These problems tend to escalate with time, so it’s essential to seek professional assistance from a licensed plumber when you notice an issue. Some of the most common complaints and their fixes include:
Frozen Pipes Inside and Out
Exterior and interior water lines can freeze when temperatures drop too low. This is hazardous because it can cut off your family’s running water supply and cause flooding if the freeze leads to burst pipes.
To prevent a freeze from compromising exterior and interior water lines, winterize your systems. Disconnect hoses from spigots and shut off the exterior water line while leaving the spigot valve open. This allows for drainage.
Allow faucets to drip overnight, as this low water pressure will prevent a total freeze in your pipes. Leaking faucets are best used during hard freezes; avoid increasing your water bill by establishing a small, consistent drip rather than a stream.
Be sure to insulate pipes on exterior walls. Consider having your local plumbing professionals install pressure relief valves on your water lines to prevent breaks during a freeze.
Water Heater Issues
Another of the most common winter plumbing problems is water heater failure. Your water heater may struggle to meet your demands in the colder months. Holiday cooking and cleaning combined with longer, hotter showers and baths tend to add wear and tear to your unit.
Prevent these issues from disrupting your cozy routine by staying consistent with maintenance. Annual inspections and drains are an important part of keeping the unit running efficiently. Invest in a water heater blanket to insulate the tank and limit heat loss for added protection.
If your water heater stops working, troubleshoot first. Check that the temperature gauge is set appropriately and that a power outage isn’t the problem. If neither applies, consult a professional plumber to restore warmth to your showers.
Badly Clogged Drains
Comfort food season is hard on your drains. The increased food waste sent down your garbage disposal and the colder temperatures are a recipe for clogs.
Be mindful of the waste you’re flushing, and take the extra time to throw out harder materials and excess grease while cleaning up. After using the garbage disposal or kitchen sink drain, run water through the system for 15-30 seconds. This flushes the system and protects your drains from clogs.
If your sink is clogged and draining slowly, it’s best to get a professional inspection. The specialized tools and techniques certified plumbers use will do the job faster and with better results than a DIY method.
Sewer Line Backups
Among the less common winter plumbing problems are sewer line backups. Sometimes, during a freeze, the sewer line will back up and cause poor drainage from your home. This also happens with septic tanks with inadequate ground insulation. Sewer backups are dangerous because they sometimes lead to backflow, where sewage seeps back up your basement floor drain.
This exposes your family to hazardous waste material and airborne pathogens. Keep your home safe with preventative maintenance.
Ensure that your sewer line is adequately insulated to prevent a freeze. Septic systems should be well covered by soil, and the tank and pipes may be insulated with straw for added protection. Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year.
Contact a certified plumber immediately if your sewer line backs up and prevents adequate drainage. Knowledgeable professionals are best equipped to restore the line without causing additional damage. This is especially important if backflow occurs and causes hazardous flooding in the lower levels of your home.
Stay far away from wastewater and allow a professional to handle it with the proper safety gear.
Trust MVP Plumbing With Your Winter Woes in Rosemont, PA
MVP Plumbing offers exceptional customer service to Rosemont, PA, residents. Our expert technicians can tackle the most common winter plumbing problems with ease.
We’ll also provide you with guidance on winter plumbing maintenance and preventative measures you can take to protect your property. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.