Winter is extremely hard on every part of your house, but few components are as susceptible to damage as the plumbing system. In addition to extreme temperatures, your pipes must contend with the increased demand of holiday visitors and more time spent indoors. Here are some of the most common plumbing issues to watch out for during the winter months.

4 Common Winter Plumbing Problems

1. Frozen Pipes

When temperatures plummet, uninsulated pipes in unheated areas of your house can freeze and rupture as the water inside expands. Frozen pipes often release massive quantities of water inside your walls or under your house, resulting in serious damage that could affect your house for years to come.

2. Water Heater Failures

In the winter, water coming into your home is much colder than usual, which puts additional strain on your water heater. While newer models may not have trouble keeping up, the extended cycles required to heat nearly frozen water can cause older tanks to fail. If your water heater is over 10 years old, have it thoroughly inspected by a professional before winter arrives.

3. Clogged Drains

While your drains may be clear enough to meet the needs of your family under normal circumstances, they may not be able to handle the pressure of cooking holiday meals and hosting guests. Many households experience clogged drains during the holiday season, so consider calling a plumbing professional to clean your pipes before your guests arrive.

4. Bust Septic Tanks

Modern septic tanks are very robust and are usually well-insulated by earth and heavy snow cover. However, in some situations the line leading out of the house or the contents of the tank can freeze, causing severe problems that must be corrected immediately.

Whether you need some preventative maintenance or are dealing with a plumbing emergency, Valley Mechanical will provide the prompt, effective service you need and reliable work you expect. Since 1999, they’ve served homeowners throughout Canadice, South Bristo, Branchport,  Springwater, and Atlanta, NY, building a reputation as expert contractors you can depend on. Visit their website for more on their wide range of plumbing and HVAC services, get more advice and tips on Facebook, or call (585) 374-6866 to schedule a service call and request an estimate.