For kids, winter can seem like a magical time of year, with sledding and snowball fights filling the afternoon. As a homeowner, however, winter can often feel a lot more stressful, especially if the cold weather is causing plumbing problems in your home. As the team at King’s Plumbing in West Chester, OH explains, however, many of the most common winter plumbing concerns can be avoided if homeowners take the right precautions.

The following are a few common winter plumbing problems—but more importantly, what you can do to avoid them:

• Water Heater Troubles: Few things are more unpleasant than being forced to take an icy shower on a cold winter morning. A failing water heater is a common winter problem, but it’s also one that can easily be avoided by scheduling an annual maintenance inspection. If your water heater doesn’t seem to be working, make sure your water temperature is set high enough and the pilot light is on before calling a repair team.
• Frozen Pipes: Freezing pipes are another common problem during the wintertime. To keep your pipes from freezing, make sure that you keep your home’s internal temperature set to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaving one of your faucets slightly open at all times will keep water moving and prevent freezing.
• Water Line Breaks: Frozen pipes can easily result in a break or leak, causing severe damage to your property. Exterior pipes and water spouts are often the culprits behind a winter water line break. Make sure that exterior pipes are properly insulated and disconnect any garden hoses from your spouts to prevent an icy buildup that could ultimately result in a break.

Whether you need a water heater replacement or pipe repairs, the team at King’s Plumbing can help you with whatever plumbing issues winter throws your way. To learn more about their services or to request a free estimate, visit them online or call (513) 683-9935.