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3 Most Common Winter Plumbing Issues

3 Most Common Winter Plumbing Issues and How to Fix Them Einstein Pros Plumbing and HVAC Services

3 Most Common Winter Plumbing Issues & How to Fix Them

The winter months are a fantastic season full of family gatherings and festivities. However, with the temperature drop and increased use of kitchens and hot water, the winter season brings unforeseen plumbing problems that may be a hassle during the holidays.

Here are the three most common winter plumbing problems, and the best ways on how to fix and prevent them in the future.

Clogged Drains caused by Grease and Food Particles

During the upcoming holidays, it’s important to take caution when discarding food scraps down sink drains. Although it’s best to be careful all year, food accumulates in pipes more easily during colder winter months.

If you do not have a garbage disposal system, it is best to throw as many food particles into the trash as possible. Grease, oil, and fats from certain foods should never be inside your plumbing system. Even with a garbage disposal, grease can cause significant damage to your pipes.

For prevention, you can use drain screens, just put them in the bottom of the sink drain, and this will prevent any particles from getting into your pipes. If your drain is already clogged, try pouring a mixture of hot water and dish soap. This method might be enough to break small blockages stuck deep in your pipe.

If clogging seems to happen often or won’t budge, it is best to call a plumbing professional to point out and solve the specific problem.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are probably the most common problem during the winter months, due to high water pressure from the main water line mixed with below freezing temperatures. If you notice a change in water flow during the cold months, it could be a sign of a frozen pipe. The most obvious giveaway is a restricted water flow.

If you think that you have a frozen pipe, leave your tap open slightly to allow water to flow. Water movement can help reduce pressure and stop your pipes from freezing. If one of your plumbing pipes does burst, locate the main valve immediately and shut it off as soon as you can. Shutting this off prevents additional flooding in your home. Then, call your local plumber and have them assess the situation professionally.

Hot Water Heater Failure

Your hot water heater works overtime during the winter months to keep up with the colder temperatures. If you’re suddenly left with no hot water, first specify which type of hot water you own. Depending on electric or gas units, you will likely have a different solution. To inspect and possibly fix your water heater.

To professionally inspect your water heater, you may want to contact a professional water heater specialist to check and repair (or replace if needed) your water heater.

Knowing common winter plumbing issues and how to fix and prevent them will save you a lot of time and money on lengthy repairs during the holidays.

If you experience any of the problems above this winter, don’t hesitate to call Einstein Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling at 888-671-7767 or email [email protected]. We provide local Oregon, Washington, and Nevada professional plumbers and a plethora of services for all your water heater, heating & cooling, and plumbing needs.

We hope you find our tips helpful and bookmark our site for more useful tricks when it comes to plumbing and other related topics in your home or business.

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