Southwest Michigan is known for large accumulations of snow and extremely cold temperatures in the winter months. Plumbing issues can pose a significant challenge for homes during the winter season. Knowing how to address these problems is key to keeping your home fully functional.
Why Does Winter Pose a Risk?
Winters in Southern Michigan bring cold temperatures and unpredictable snowfall. Unfortunately, when temperatures fall below freezing, plumbing systems become more vulnerable to issues. Both snow and ice create problems for drainage systems, sump pumps, and outdoor plumbing installations.
Homes here need to be ready for winter weather. Regular plumbing checks and knowledge about potential problems can help protect a residence’s plumbing system. Finding and fixing plumbing issues before they become major problems helps homeowners avoid expensive plumbing repair costs and service interruptions.
Frozen and Burst Pipes
One of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners must deal with in winter is frozen pipes. This is because when the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside the pipes can freeze. As the water freezes, it expands, putting tremendous pressure on the pipes. If not addressed quickly, the pipes may rupture, leaking water everywhere. A burst pipe can flood your home in minutes, causing extensive damage to floors, walls, and belongings.
Pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to frozen pipes since they do not get any heat. Adding insulation to exposed pipes in these areas is one of the best ways to keep them from freezing and bursting. It also helps to leave faucets dripping during extreme cold. The flow of water relieves pressure and keeps the water moving, preventing it from freezing.
Homes with older plumbing systems are especially at risk of frozen pipes as well. Making sure the home maintains adequate warmth during cold weather will ensure the surrounding temperature stays above freezing.
Clogged Drains
Another wintertime plumbing problem comes in the form of clogged drains, particularly in kitchens where people gather for holidays. The accumulation of oil, food remnants, and coffee grounds in the drain can easily clog drains. Plus, grease hardens more quickly in cold weather, making the problem worse.
Snow, ice, and other debris may also build up and obstruct outdoor drains, causing them to overflow. Because of these obstructions, water may back up into your house.
To keep drains clear, you should consider using drain strainers to collect debris. You should also never pour oil down the drain. You might be able to get rid of minor clogs using a drain snake or plunger. However, when problems continue, it’s best to call in a professional plumber.
Water Heater Problems
The combination of cold weather and an increase in the demand for hot water puts a strain on water heaters throughout the winter. The colder the temperature drops, the harder they work. This increased stress can cause problems like leaks or pilot light failures while also hurting the heater’s efficiency.
Problems with water heaters will become even more severe when sediment accumulates in the tank. This can lead to issues like strange noises from the tank and even premature tank failure. Having a plumber regularly flush the tank will keep sediment issues at bay.
Leaky Faucets
It may not seem like a huge deal now, but a leaky faucet can cause major problems in the winter. For starters, they waste a lot of water, which can increase your water bills. Wasting water is also bad for the environment. Most leaky faucets are the result of a worn-out washer or damaged seal, both of which are easy to fix. If you ignore a leaky faucet during the winter, you increase the risk of frozen pipes and potential water damage.
Damaged Outdoor Hose Bibs
The freezing cold winter temperatures in our area are especially harmful to outdoor hose bibs. If there is any water in the hose bib, it will freeze and expand, damaging the connected faucet and pipes. Repairing the damage can be quite expensive to fix. Before cold temperatures arrive, you should take hoses off outdoor hose bibs and empty them to keep them safe. It also helps to use insulated faucet covers.
Low Water Pressure
Another typical winter complaint is low water pressure. The most common causes include frozen pipes, leaks, and sediment accumulation in the water heater. Low pressure in only one fixture might indicate a more limited issue, such as a blocked aerator. But if the pressure is low throughout the whole home, it might be a symptom of a bigger problem, such as a frozen main water line. A plumber will take several steps to pinpoint the exact cause. They will start by checking for visible leaks, followed by inspecting the water heater for sediment buildup. Next, they will inspect key fixtures like faucets and showerheads for damaged components. After addressing the underlying cause, they will thoroughly test the main water line and pressure levels.
Malfunctioning Sump Pump
Water in and around a sump pit has the potential to freeze as temperatures drop, rendering the pump useless. Unattended sump pumps might become inoperable due to ice dams that block the discharge line or freeze the check valve. The water from melting snow and thawing ground can build up and flood basements because of this issue. Snow and ice buildup inside the pump discharge line is a common reason for poor drainage performance. If a winter storm knocks power out to your home, the sump pump can’t turn on and drain any excess water. Insulating the discharge pipes, checking the pump’s functionality, and setting up a backup power source are all things a plumber can do to help avoid these problems.
Septic System Issues
Winter, with its frigid temperatures, can be a challenge for septic systems. If the temperature becomes too cold, the septic tank’s connecting pipes might freeze, which would be a major problem. This can result in wastewater backups, which leave the home without proper drainage or burst pipes. It can also lead to sewage leaks, causing the home to experience foul odors or severe water damage.
Backups or poor drainage might also occur if the system gets overwhelmed with too much water from holiday festivities. Limiting water usage and staggering laundry loads can help prevent strain on the septic system and reduce the risk of issues.
Pipe Condensation and Mold Growth
Warm water flowing through cold pipes creates condensation on their surface. As the condensation builds, it increases the risk of mold growth. Homes with poor ventilation are at a higher risk for damage from condensation. You can reduce condensation by insulating exposed pipes and improving air circulation around plumbing areas. A plumber may recommend installing vent fans or sealing gaps around pipes to achieve the best air circulation. Some of the best materials to insulate exposed pipes to reduce condensation include foam sleeves, fiberglass insulation, and rubber insulation.
Service Professor can get your home’s plumbing system winter ready. We offer a variety of plumbing services for homeowners in Grand Ledge, MI. We also offer heating and cooling equipment installation, routine maintenance, and emergency repairs. We install thermostats, address indoor air quality concerns, and offer a variety of electrical services.
Contact Service Professor today to schedule an appointment.