Cold and snowy winter weather in Massachusetts can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing. Let’s explore some common winter plumbing issues you might experience and when you should contact a plumber.
1. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners encounter during the winter. This problem slows down or stops normal water flow.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can cause water to back up in your sink, tub, shower, or washing machine. The water can spill onto the floor, damaging the plywood and drywall in your home. Some minor clogs can be removed by homeowners, but avoid harsh chemicals which can damage pipes. Deep, dense clogs require the pros.
3. Water Heater Malfunction
Cold weather can reduce the efficiency and function of your water heater. Its water lines can freeze, and the heater may have to work harder and longer to heat water sufficiently, resulting in higher energy use and costlier gas or electric bills.
4. Sump Pump Failure
Water in the sump pump discharge line can freeze, creating a blockage and hindering the pump’s ability to work. It may thaw and resolve on its own, but other times the expansion of the freezing water can break other parts, requiring a plumber to fix.
5. Sewer Line Blockages
When water freezes and becomes trapped in the sewer line, it can expand and create a blockage. The blockage causes water to pool in the line and back into your home. A plumber can use various tools to remove debris and other material.
6. Leaky Pipes
Homeowners often have to deal with leaky pipes during the winter months. Temperature fluctuations cause the seals in the pipes to crack and leak. Leaks put your home at risk of water damage and raise your water bills. An expert plumber can detect and remediate leaks.
7. Low Water Pressure
Frozen pipes likewise cause low water pressure in your home. As ice builds up in the pipes or leaks, you could experience less water pressure. You must thaw or repair the pipes to restore normal water pressure.
8. Burst Pipes
When water freezes and expands, it can cause the pipes to burst. Burst pipes qualify as a plumbing emergency because of the significant risk of water damage to your home. You can prevent this problem by wrapping your pipes with insulated tape before the start of winter. Once a pipe has burst, you need a plumber with pipe repair services to fix it for you.
9. Frozen Outdoor Faucets
You also need to insulate your outdoor faucets before winter. Failure to do so can result in your faucets freezing, which can cause pressure to build up and burst your pipes.
10. Toilet Problems
Cold weather can freeze the water in your toilet’s line, creating a blockage. Your toilet could then overflow and cause water damage. You should keep your bathroom warm during the winter to help prevent this and avoid a plumbing repair.
11. Underground Water Line Leaks
During the winter, your property’s underground water lines can freeze and leak. Your landscape could become marshy and have pools of water standing in it. Your water bill can also increase significantly if the underground lines leak.
12. Gutter Ice Dams
Ice dams in the gutters cause water to back onto your home’s roof. Water can then get inside your home, causing damage to your ceiling and walls. Keep gutters clear of debris, which contributes to dams.
13. Damage to Hose Bibbs
Failure to disconnect the hoses attached to your outdoor faucets can damage the hose bibbs. Damaged hose bibbs can lead to problems like faucet leaks and drips, resulting in higher water bills.
14. Septic Tank Problems
Cold weather can slow down bacterial action in your septic tank, which can then cause a backup of sewage into your home or yard. Pumping the tank before winter and insulating the pipes can mitigate the risk of this problem.
15. Cloudy Water
Winter weather can likewise cause the water from your taps to look cloudy. Cold water holds more air than warm water. As the water travels from the reservoir to your taps, it warms up and can look cloudier than usual. This isn’t always an issue, but a plumber can do an inspection to make sure.
When to Contact a Plumber
You should contact a full-service plumber during the winter if a plumbing issue compromises the integrity of pipes or fixtures, or puts your home at risk of water damage. You should also contact one if a problem disrupts your water service or causes your sump pump to stop working.
At Efficiency Plumbing, we can resolve common winter plumbing problems and service your home’s heating and cooling systems. Our business has nearly a decade of experience providing reliable plumbing, heating, and cooling services to Hanover, MA customers. Contact us today to learn more about our winter plumbing services!
