Restaurant Plumber Annapolis

Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Winter certainly isn’t your plumbing and pipes’ favorite season. You have to make sure that your pipes are ready to withstand temperatures below freezing. The team at Guardian Plumbing Services, Inc., your plumber in Annapolis, MD, points out some common problem issues you should watch out for this winter.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing issues. If you have pipes that aren’t well-insulated and exposed, they’re prone to freezing. This is especially true for many basements, sheds, or garages. These areas are usually less insulated and aren’t heated consistently, either.

When pipes get frozen, they’re prone to bursting. This can lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of damage that needs to be taken care of. It’s important to stop this problem before it starts. Do a survey of pipes in vulnerable locations. If you notice frost on the outside of the pipe, it’s likely that there’s water frozen inside it.

Other indicators of a burst pipe include troubles with water flow, faucets acting oddly, or strange odors coming from your drains. If you notice a frozen spot, you can attempt to thaw it with a hairdryer or heat lamp — but definitely not an open flame. If you don’t feel confident or want a professional opinion, we can do a video inspection of your pipes to find any problems.

Clogged Drains

Everyone experiences a clog in their pipes at one point or another. Small things that may accidentally get washed down drains, like hair and food debris, build up over time. While this may not be a huge problem for warmer months, anything that’s stuck in your pipes can freeze up when colder weather hits.

For a quick solution, you can pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. This can help your drain become usable again and provides a temporary fix. You’ll want to hire a plumber to come out and do a further inspection of your residential plumbing to help you with a long-term solution.

Water Heater Issues

Water heaters are working extra hard in the winter months. People are more likely to take steaming hot showers, and you still have the tasks of dishes, laundry, and other household things. If you’re noticing your shower has been colder lately, or you notice any signs of leakage around your water heater, get it inspected ASAP.