If you’re a longtime homeowner in Western New York, you probably know the cold winter months can have detrimental effects on your home’s plumbing system if problems are left unattended. Having plumbing repairs and maintenance checks completed on a regular basis can save you from larger headaches in the future and prevent major damage to your home in the long run. If you’ve worked with other Buffalo plumbers for winter plumbing system maintenance but were left unsatisfied, call The Plumber WNY today. As you winterize your home and gear up for a long season indoors, here are three common winter plumbing problems to be aware of:
Frozen pipes
One of the most common – and preventable – winter plumbing issues is frozen pipes. When frigid weather hits below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes in basements, garages and crawl spaces that aren’t properly insulated can easily become frozen and even burst. Some of the signs of a burst pipe include a change in water pressure, discolored water, persistent leaks, and strange sounds like gurgling, hissing or banging. If you notice any of these things occurring, it’s important to have a plumber inspect your pipes as soon as possible. If a pipe bursts, it can cause major water damage to your home and potentially result in mold or mildew. To prevent frozen pipes, check out our previous blog post about this issue.
Clogged drains
When pipes stiffen in colder temperatures, debris and other trapped particles in your pipes can become more easily trapped. If your drains are already susceptible to clogging, the potential for frozen pipes will only make this issue worse. One home remedy is to pour boiling hot water down the drain to thaw your pipes from obstruction. However, if your clogs continue to get clogged in the winter, it’s generally best to have a plumbing professional provide a more effective and long-term solution.
Water heater issues
Your water heater often goes into overdrive during the winter to provide an increased supply of hot water for your home’s various utility and appliance needs. Unfortunately, water heaters can incur a multitude of issues, including temperature problems, water leaks, discolored water and loud noises. Depending on the age of your water heater and its level of wear and tear, you’re likely to experience at least one of these issues at some point.
If you’ve been experiencing any of these common problems, don’t hesitate to call The Plumber of Buffalo. Winter plumbing system maintenance is important, and you need to have these issues addressed ASAP! Our experienced and reliable team is always here to help.
