Common Wintertime Plumbing Issues and How you Can Handle Them

Minnesotans are no strangers to frigid winter weather. During the coldest months of the year, homes are naturally more vulnerable to plumbing problems, especially if your home is older or your pipes run within the exterior walls of your home. However, quick troubleshooting and routine maintenance can help you prevent many seasonal problems.

When the temps outside drop, some plumbing problems are more common than others. Here are a few winter plumbing issues, and how you can fix them.

Frozen pipes. Unprotected pipes can freeze when the weather gets cold enough. Use pipe insulation or a warming cable if you want to complete a DIY job. If you’re unfamiliar with your plumbing system, you may want to rely on a professional plumber to complete the job. Insulating your pipes can protect them against freezing during the winter months. If, however, your pipes do freeze, turn the water off immediately and call a plumber. A frozen pipe can burst and cause significant damage to your entire system.

Clogged drain. The winter months bring holiday parties and more time spent inside. Every drain in your home from the toilet to the garbage disposal is working overtime. If you find you have a clogged drain and a DIY job isn’t cutting it, there could be a bigger issue and you’ll likely need to call an emergency plumber.

Water heater failure. A cold shower becomes even more unbearable when it is freezing outside. Routine annual maintenance can help your water heater run smoothly for years. If your water heater is advanced in age or hasn’t been serviced within the past 12 months, schedule a routine inspection to ensure the tank is working optimally and can last through the winter.

Septic tank leaks. The line that runs from your home to the septic tank is susceptible to freezing which can break components or cause backups in your home. If this happens, you’ll need to call an emergency plumber. Be sure to have your tank inspected or pumped before winter hits. You can also add a layer of straw to the ground above your septic tank as a natural insulator.

Keep winter plumbing problems at bay. Don’t wait until you’re faced with a plumbing emergency before you deal with winter plumbing problems. Schedule preventative maintenance for your home’s plumbing system to minimize these cold weather issues.