If you live in Media, PA, you know how cold it gets during the winter months. Not a lot of people think about how the cold affects their plumbing system, but it’s important to take into consideration.
From clogged drains and leaky faucets to poor heating and frozen pipes, there are many reasons why you should consider investing in plumbing maintenance in Media, PA this winter. Let’s get right into it, shall we?
How Does the Cold Affect Your Plumbing System?
Every winter, we get plenty of calls about plumbing problems that are caused by the freezing temperatures in Media, PA. Cold weather can lead to issues like frozen pipes, burst pipes, leaks, and water heaters not working correctly.
The decrease in ground temperatures during the colder months can put a lot more stress on your plumbing systems than you might think. Let’s take a closer look at the specific plumbing problems caused by winter weather below:
Water Heaters
A malfunctioning water heater is a significant inconvenience — especially in the wintertime. Your water heater has to work particularly hard when it’s cold outside. The combination of higher hot water usage and colder water entering the heater strains the system.
Without proper pre-winter plumbing maintenance, water heaters tend to experience problems. Some may even completely break down when temperatures start to drop.
Drains
It’s never a good idea to pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink. This is especially true during the winter months. In cold temperatures, pouring grease and oil down your pipes can lead to freezing, which can, unfortunately, cause serious blockages. While hot water may sometimes solve the issue temporarily, professional plumbing intervention is often needed to actually fix the problem.
Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common winter plumbing issue. When temperatures get below freezing, pipes can freeze. If you notice signs like foul odors coming from your sinks, reduced or no water flow from your faucets, and visible frost on the outside of your pipes, you’ll definitely want to get a plumbing inspection.
If not addressed, frozen pipes can result in catastrophic plumbing disasters. When water freezes, it expands and creates blockages in your pipes. As these blockages grow, water struggles to flow, creating a huge amount of pressure. This pressure buildup often causes pipes to crack or burst, which is never fun to deal with.
Reasons to Invest in a Plumbing Inspection in Media, PA This Winter
As temperatures drop, it’s going to be super important to get your home ready for the winter season.
One thing you should pay special attention to is your plumbing system. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding a plumbing inspection to your pre-winter to-do list:
Catch Potential Issues Early
Freezing temperatures can lead to pipes bursting. This means that you’ll have to pay for expensive plumbing repairs as well as the issues caused by water damage. A licensed plumber will be able to catch potential issues early, which means you’ll be able to avoid major plumbing problems when the weather gets colder.
Leak Detection
A thorough plumbing inspection can uncover leaks or drips in your system. Even small leaks can result in significant water wastage and higher utility bills — which is never good. Addressing these issues before winter will not only help you save money, but it could help conserve a lot of water, too.
Insulation Issues
Checking insulation around pipes in unheated areas (like basements, for example) is very important. Insufficient insulation raises the risk of freezing and pipe bursts. A professional plumber will be able to identify and fix insulation problems during a plumbing inspection.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup in water heaters is a super common issue, and it can reduce the efficiency of your water heater over time. If you get a winter plumbing inspection, you’ll be able to make sure that your water heater is in good working condition and that sediment buildup won’t be an issue when the temperatures drop below freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pipes are at risk of freezing?
As we mentioned before, your pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop below freezing.
Some signs to watch out for include reduced water flow from your faucets, frost on the outside of your pipes, and unusual odors coming from the taps. Needless to say, uninsulated pipes in unheated areas are a lot more susceptible to freezing.
How do I keep my pipes from bursting in the winter?
You can prevent pipe bursts by insulating any exposed pipes in your home, sealing potential air leaks, and keeping your home adequately heated during the winter. Allow your faucets to drip during extremely cold weather, as this will relieve some pressure. If you plan to be away from home for a while, make sure to keep your thermostat set above 55°F.
Why is a winter plumbing inspection necessary?
A winter plumbing inspection is essential because it can help you address potential plumbing issues, like frozen pipes and sediment buildup, before they turn into full-blown plumbing disasters. This will ultimately save you a lot of money on repairs, and it’ll be nice to not have to deal with issues like water damage, too.
Get a Winter Plumbing Inspection With Perry Plumbing
There’s nothing worse than not being prepared for the winter — especially when it comes to your plumbing system. You’d be surprised how susceptible your pipes, showers, garbage disposal, water heater, and even your toilets are to potential damage during the colder months. Thankfully, Perry Plumbing is here to help!
If you’ve been looking for plumbers in Media, PA, need to get plumbing repairs done, or are simply interested in getting a winter plumbing inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of licensed professionals will be happy to answer any questions you might have. We even offer same day service!
Call us today, and we’ll set up a comprehensive plumbing inspection for you.