Plumbing problems can occur at any time of year, but they often get worse during the winter. Colder temperatures and additional stress from holiday celebrations can cause clogs, worsen leaks, and put additional strain on appliances.
With these winter plumbing tips from the most reliable plumbers in Garland, TX, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to deal with any inconvenient and damaging issues.
How To Protect Your Garland Plumbing During Winter
Keeping your plumbing working smoothly throughout the winter starts with being aware of the most common issues that can crop up. Garland winters might not bring extremely harsh temperatures, but that doesn’t mean homeowners are immune to cold weather-related issues. Knowing the risks and implementing winter plumbing tips can help you get through the season incident and damage-free.
Protect the Water Heater
When the outdoor temperature drops, the water heater has to work harder to maintain a steady supply of hot water. Avoid sudden breakdowns by scheduling a maintenance visit from a professional plumber before the start of the season. This ensures that all the critical components are in good condition and reduces the risk of anything going wrong.
Taking care of your water heater also means planning water usage to avoid putting excessive wear and tear on it. Spacing out chores like washing dishes and laundry and showers gives the tank time to refill, so you don’t run out of hot water.
Avoid Frozen Pipes
Although the temperatures in Garland don’t typically fall so low that the pipes are in danger of freezing, there’s always a chance of a sudden cold snap. When potentially pipe-freezing conditions hit, it’s crucial that you take steps to protect the plumbing. Otherwise, you could be left to deal with a massive disaster due to a burst pipe and associated water damage.
The first winter plumbing tip to prevent frozen and burst pipes is to keep the temperature inside your home above 55 degrees at all times. Turning off the heat while you’re away for a few days might seem like an energy-saving option, but if foul weather hits, your home can get very cold very quickly, increasing the risk of a pipe rupture.
If it gets extremely cold outside, you can protect them from the cold by turning on the faucets to a slow drip. Leaving the faucet dripping keeps water moving through the pipes so it doesn’t have a chance to freeze.
Take Care of Outdoor Plumbing
Preparing your Gartland home for winter should include preparing the outdoor spigots and pipes. Turning off the water supply to the spigots and storing hoses indoors can help stop frozen pipes.
Pipe insulation is another way to protect your plumbing during cold weather. Adding a layer of foam insulation to the pipes that run from the main water line to your home, as well as any located in unheated areas like the garage or attic, will help prevent frozen pipes.
Keep Drains Clear
Winter brings celebrations that can do a number on your Garland home’s plumbing system. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or the neighborhood Super Bowl party, you need to give your plumbing a little TLC to avoid issues.
Investing in professional drain cleaning before the holiday season will help you start with a clean slate, but don’t forget other winter plumbing tips, like the following:
- Never rinse oils or grease down the drain.
- Be cautious about what goes into the garbage disposal; avoid bones, eggshells, and other items that can cause clogs.
- Turn the garbage disposal on first before adding food, and remember to run water while it’s on.
Watch Your Water Bills
A hidden plumbing leak can cause a long list of problems, but a higher-than-normal water bill is often one of the earliest indications of trouble. If you notice a sudden spike in usage, call a plumber about leak detection. Even a tiny hole in a pipe hidden behind a wall can cause substantial damage and waste hundreds of gallons of water, so stay alert to the signs that something isn’t right.
Trust Our Garland Plumbers To Solve Your Cold Weather Woes
Don’t let plumbing problems dampen your spirit. Follow our winter plumbing tips and tips to prevent frozen pipes to avoid the most common issues and the stress and expense they can cause.
If something does go wrong, there’s no need to fret. Call the experienced team of Dial One Johnson Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, and we’ll be there to solve the problem quickly.
