Winter in Southern Ontario can be beautiful. That is, of course, if you enjoy snowfall and the winter activities that come along with it. Of course, cold temperatures aren’t fun for everyone and everything. They bring about unique challenges for your plumbing system. As temperatures drop, the risk of plumbing issues like frozen pipes, water heater problems and clogged drains increases.
Beware of frozen pipes.
You won’t be surprised to know that frozen pipes are among the most frequent of winter plumbing problems. As you should be aware, water expands when it freezes. If there is water stuck inside your pipes on particularly frigid days, it can expand and cause your pipes to burst. Repairs, needless to say, are both expensive and frustrating to endure. Be wary of both pipes that aren’t insulated and those in poorly heated areas like basements, garages or crawl spaces.
What can you do to prevent your home’s pipes from freezing this winter? As we intimated, you might want to insulate your exposed pipes. Foam or pipe sleeves should do the trick. As well, keep your home heated, even if you’re way. In addition, while it may seem a bit wasteful, it’s wise to let your taps drip slightly. This helps to maintain water flow during extreme cold. Finally, seal any drafts near pipes to keep cold air out. For more tips, read THIS blog!
Prepare for water heater struggles.
Quite obviously, your water heater works overtime during winter. Because of increased demand, it is more susceptible to breakdowns. Not to mention, cold temperatures make your water heater less efficient. This can lead to lukewarm showers or a complete lack of hot water. That’s never fun on cold days.
What can you do to maintain a healthy water heater? Firstly, be mindful to flush your water heater annually. This helps to remove sediment buildup. As well, be sure to maintain an ideal thermostat setting, which is generally between 50 and 60 degrees Celcius. Finally, it’s good old insulation to the rescue again! Insulating your water heater and pipes will help to reduce heat loss.
Look out for clogged drains.
It’s the time of year when big family gatherings comprised of huge feasts are popular. You know what that means, right? Tons of food scraps and debris will end up going down the drain. Those extra greasy dishes will especially wreak havoc on your pipes. When hitting colder temperatures, thanks to the winter, all that extra foodstuff and liquid is bound to clog up your pipes.
What can you do to prevent drain clogs? First and foremost, as THIS blog insists, strictly avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, dispose of it in the garbage. As well, be sure to use a drain catcher to prevent debris from entering the pipes. Also, run some hot water through the sink. This will help to clear minor blockages. We would advise you to avoid chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your pipes.
Need help this winter?
2 Bro’s Plumbing is here for you! Call us at 905-556-0790 or email admin@2brosplumbing.ca for friendly and professional support. Let us take care of your plumbing issues so you can enjoy a worry-free winter!
