As temperatures drop, so does the temperature of your plumbing. Cold temperatures can cause many issues with your home's plumbing system, leading to costly repairs. Luckily, you can take steps to avoid common winter plumbing problems.
At Lutz Plumbing, LLC, we're here to help you identify and prevent common winter plumbing problems so that you can enjoy a worry-free winter. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for and remember these winter plumbing tips to keep your plumbing running smoothly in the winter months.

Winter Plumbing Problems

Let's take a look at common winter plumbing problems and how to combat them:

Burst Pipes

Winter weather can cause pipes to freeze and eventually burst. This is because water expands when it freezes and puts a lot of pressure on your pipes. If the pressure gets too high, it can cause the pipes to rupture or burst. Burst pipes can create a massive amount of water damage and can be very costly to repair. Therefore, it's essential to be proactive and take steps to prevent this. Here are some tips:

• Keep the temperature in your home above freezing. 
• Insulate exposed pipes to protect them from cold air.
• Make sure all of your outside faucets are turned off and disconnected from your hose. 
• Keep an eye on areas prone to freezing, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

If you experience a burst pipe, immediately turn off the main water supply line and contact a licensed plumber. 

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing issues in winter. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in your pipes can freeze, leading to a blocked pipe and a potential burst. Frozen pipes disrupt water flow and can be a significant source of costly damage.
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, here are some steps you should take: 

• Shut off the main water supply to the house. 
• Open up the faucets connected to the frozen pipe and let any water that has been trapped thaw out.
• If you can reach it, wrap insulation around the pipe to help heat it. 
• Apply heat to the frozen area using an electric heating pad or space heater, but never use a blowtorch, kerosene, or propane heater, as this could be dangerous.

It is essential to contact a professional plumber if you suspect your pipes have frozen. 

Backed Up Sewer Lines

 Water in the sewer line can freeze and block wastewater flow when temperatures drop. This can lead to backups that can cause severe damage to your home. In the winter, it's essential to watch for signs of a backed-up sewer line, such as slow-draining sinks, toilets that take a long time to flush, and an overflow of wastewater in your yard or basement.
To prevent a backed-up sewer line, clean out any debris from drains and gutters. If there is an area near your home where water pools or collects, fix it before temperatures drop too low. You should also inspect the sewer line for any clogs or breaks and get them repaired as soon as possible. If you have a septic system, check the tank and get it pumped if needed.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be a nuisance, especially during the winter when we're already dealing with cold temperatures and freezing pipes. Unfortunately, clogged drains are a common problem that an accumulation of debris, such as hair, grease, food particles, and soap residue, can cause. 
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent clogged drains:

• Always use filters in your sinks and tubs to catch food particles and debris.
• Never pour grease down the drain.
• Use a drain cleaning solution regularly to keep your gutters clear.

If you find yourself with a clogged drain, you can try some easy DIY solutions before calling a plumber. First, use a plunger or a bent wire hanger to unclog the drain. If that doesn't work, you can pour boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda down the drain to help break up the debris and allow it to pass through. 

Leaking Faucets

During the winter months, it's common for your faucets and plumbing fixtures to develop leaks or cause other problems. This is due to temperature and air pressure changes which can cause components in your plumbing system to expand or contract. If you notice any leaking or drips coming from your faucet, it's best to call a plumber immediately before the problem worsens. They can diagnose the issue quickly and provide an effective solution. Additionally, they can suggest additional winter plumbing tips that can help prevent future problems from occurring. Remember, if you take the time to keep up with your plumbing during the winter months, you can avoid a lot of headaches and costly repairs in the long run.

Use These Winter Plumbing Tips & Schedule Your Service Today

As we move into the winter months, we must be aware of potential winter plumbing issues and how to prevent them. If you need help maintaining your plumbing system during the winter, contact Lutz Plumbing, LLC . Our experienced plumbers will provide professional service to help you avoid costly repairs.
Our experts can diagnose any problems with your plumbing and take the necessary steps to ensure everything is running smoothly. We can also provide preventive measures that will help protect your system from any winter damage.
At Lutz Plumbing, LLC, we understand how important it is to have reliable plumbing service. That is why we strive to provide our customers with the highest quality of service. Our plumbers have the skills and experience necessary to keep your plumbing system running smoothly in the coldest months.
We offer flexible scheduling options to receive timely and reliable service when you need it most. So contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your plumbing is ready for the winter season.