The winter season is often a tough time of year for everyone. People spend more time inside their homes as the temperatures plunge and family holiday celebrations take center stage. Increased indoor time combined with cooler temperatures results in a natural increase in the amount of water that flows through your home’s plumbing system. Unfortunately, since water can freeze, the cold temperature has an expanding impact and can cause damage to your system.

As a consequence of these circumstances, there are more plumbing crises during the winter than at other times of the year. To ensure you will have a hassle winter experience, here are some tips you can keep in mind to avoid any plumbing emergencies. 

Disconnect Any Unneeded Pipes from the System

Draining pipes that will not be utilized is one of the most crucial aspects of avoiding plumbing damage to your property. Attaching hoses to outdoor hose bibs and blowing out sprinklers are two examples of this. That keeps the water in the pipes, no matter how little, from freezing while it is sitting there waiting to be used. 

Cracks in pipes may result from even a tiny quantity of ice accumulation. When the weather warms up in the spring, such microscopic fractures might produce leaks. To prevent ice from shattering pipes within the home, close drain shut-off valves that lead outside.

Repair Any Leaks

The detection and correction of leaks should occur immediately, no matter how little and regardless of the season in which they occur. A dripping leak may result in an enormous quantity of wastewater, as well as considerable damage if left unchecked over time. The risk comes in the winter when the water freezes and cracks or bursts the pipes, making the situation much more severe. If you have any leaks in your house, be sure to have them fixed right away.

Do Not Let Pipes Freeze

It would be best if you always shielded pipes to prevent damage from occurring. However, during freezing conditions, the necessity for this is enhanced to avoid damage to the pipes. If there are any exposed pipes, be sure to cover them with insulated foam, which you can purchase at a home improvement shop. If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, be sure that the temperatures in your home do not drop below freezing. If you will be away for more than a weekend, it is a good idea to have someone check on your property. If you are away for the whole winter, you may want to consider having someone use your plumbing now and again to keep the water flowing.

Check For Clogged Drains

Any foreign object flushed via a toilet, shower, bath drainage systems, sink drains, or trash disposals that they are not designed to handle causes buildup and clogging. Garbage disposals, for example, are incapable of dealing with all food leftovers. Highly fibrous meals, as well as cooking oil or lipids that have cooled after being cooked, might create issues. Hair may also accumulate in the drains of showers and bathtubs. Once again, keep an eye on how water drains in plumbing places around your house to ensure proper drainage. The likelihood of a blocked pipe or drain is high if you observe water running slower than usual.

Final Thoughts

Even if you live in a home with hard water, it is still essential to do yearly cleaning and maintenance on your appliances. It is recommended that you clean your water heater and sump pump once a year; this aids in the removal of dirt and sediments, allowing them to continue operating as intended. Maintaining the functionality of these appliances is critical to maintaining the quality of your house’s water and avoiding damage to the inside of your home. You should also conduct your yearly maintenance. 

Candu Plumbing and Rooter can be your best option if you are looking for any plumbing services in Granada Hills. We can provide you with the best services to ensure your plumbing fixtures are ready, even for most harsh winters. Give us a call today so we can schedule a fix for you!