1. Hot Water Issues
As the temperatures drop, your water heater has to work overtime to heat the water coming into your home since the water enters at the colder ground temperature. This extra work can lead to overheating or other issues that can keep your water heater from functioning properly. To prevent issues, you should have your water heater inspected and serviced. The plumbing pros at TR Miller can handle this for you or replace your water heater if it’s at the end of its life.
2. Frozen Pipes
In Illinois, freezing temperatures are inevitable, which can lead to frozen pipes that burst and cause flooding in your home. Indoor pipes are generally safe because they’re in heated areas and protected by your home’s insulation, but pipes in unheated areas like garages and crawl spaces are vulnerable and should be insulated. Pipes that leak or are corroded are more vulnerable to freezing, so check all your pipes for leaks or signs of corrosion and have them repaired. You can get insulation kits at your local hardware store to protect these pipes from freezing.
3. Freezing Outdoor Hoses and Faucets
Water left in your garden hoses can freeze, which can cause the faucets and connected pipes inside your home to freeze and break. Your outdoor faucets are also vulnerable to freezing and breaking if water is left in them. To prevent this, drain your hoses, disconnect them, and store them away for the winter in a dry space like your garage. Also check your outdoor faucets for dripping and get them repaired if necessary. Then make sure they are completely drained and cover them with insulation. You can buy insulation kits for faucets at a hardware store.
4. Clogged Toilets
In the winter, you and your family will likely spend more time at home, which can mean that your toilets see more use. This can lead to higher chances of clogging, particularly if you have an underlying issue such as partially blocked sewer line or ventilation line. To prevent clogs, it’s a good idea to have your plumbing system and sewer lines inspected before to detect potential issues.
5. Frozen Sump Pump
Sump pumps work hard to keep water out of your home, but they are vulnerable to freezing since they are generally in an unheated area. When it’s frozen, it won’t operate and water from rain, snow, or ice can get into your home and cause damage. To prevent this, you should insulate your sump pump. You can use foam or fiberglass insulation cut to fit around the sump pump, and then secure it with zip ties. Also be sure to insulate the connected discharge pipe.
6. Gaps Around Pipes
Gaps can develop between the walls and pipes where the pipes enter your home, which can allow cold air to come in and also allow indoor pipes to freeze. To prevent this, you just need to check the inside and outside of your house to find these gaps, and close the gaps with weather stripping, caulk, and insulation.
7. Clogged Kitchen Drains
During the winter holidays, you’re likely to be doing more cooking and baking, which can increase the chances of clogged kitchen drains. You can do a few things to prevent this from happening.
- Don’t put grease, oil, coffee grounds, potato peels, or bones into your garbage disposal.
- Run cold water while using your garbage disposal and let it run for about 30 seconds after you turn off the disposal. This will ensure that waste moves through.
- Clean your disposal regularly by running ice through it.
8. Outdoor Drain Damage
Outdoor drains can freeze, which causes damage, particularly if they are plastic. You can replace your drains with metal drains, or you can clear off any ice or snow accumulation as soon as it occurs.
9. Frozen Sewer Lines
Frozen sewer lines can be disastrous, causing backups in your home. Ensure that the soil over your lines has not eroded and fill in any gaps. You can also put a layer of straw over the lines. You may also want to have your sewer lines cleaned out before freezing temperatures hit.
10. Basement Flooding
Melting snow can seep into your basement and eventually cause flooding. Ensure that you have proper drainage around your home and that your gutters are clean. Also, clear snow that accumulates around your foundation, and on the roof. Seal any cracks in your basement walls.
Have a Plumbing Inspection
While you can handle some preventive maintenance yourself, having your plumbing system inspected and serviced can save you money in the long run by preventing common winter plumbing issues. This should include a camera inspection of your drains and sewer lines, since you can’t see potential blockages that may have occurred while the leaves were falling until a full blockage happens and you experience a backup or other issues.
A little preventive care can give you peace of mind and a plumber-free winter so that you’re free to enjoy the holidays, and time with your family.
TR Miller Is Your Plumbing Partner
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been serving the plumbing needs of Greater Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, so we understand the needs and concerns of our customers. Our professional plumbers are highly trained in plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacement and our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your home’s functionality and safety.
Give us a call, and we can thoroughly inspect your plumbing system, and perform any maintenance or repairs that are required. With TR Miller as your plumbing partner, you can rest assured that your plumbing system will perform properly and at maximum efficiency throughout the winter and the rest of the year.
