During the winter season, your home can become vulnerable to the elements. Frigid temperatures can lead to plumbing issues that you might not experience throughout the rest of the year. By being aware of these seasonal problems, you can take steps to protect the equipment and avoid the need to schedule emergency service with a plumber.

What Are the Most Common Winter Plumbing Concerns?

1. Frozen Pipes

Cold air can seep through siding and gaps in a house’s infrastructure. When exposed to the low temperatures, water in pipes on exterior walls can freeze. As the water expands, the tension can cause the pipes to crack. To prevent burst pipes and water damage, keep cabinet and closet doors open. Warm air from the heating system will circulate to exposed pipes to stop the metal and liquid inside from freezing. 

2. Broken Water Heater

To combat the chill, family members might take longer showers and baths during the winter months. This places considerable strain on the water heater. If it’s not up to the job, the equipment could fail under the extra stress. As tank water heaters last eight to 12 years and tankless systems last up to 20 years, consider calling a plumber to install a replacement if your current model is at the end of its lifespan. Otherwise, have the equipment serviced each winter. A plumber will flush the tank, clean the inlet filter, and provide additional tune-ups to maximize performance. 

3. Septic System Backups

In cold temperatures, septic lines are prone to freezing. This means that it will be challenging to treat and remove waste from the property. Drain backups inside the house could indicate that there is an issue you cannot see or address. When these occur, unsanitary material can flow back into your home and create unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Use the septic system often during cold spells, as doing so will generate heat to stop the line from freezing.

To winterize your plumbing system to prevent the above concerns, contact the licensed and insured plumbers at Powell Plumbing & Pumps Inc in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, for help. Serving area residents since 1985, their team will care for your septic system, fix sump pump problems, and perform reliable plumbing repairs to reduce the strain that causes breakdowns. For a service appointment in Wood County, call (715) 325-2050 today. See what brands the company carries and view a full list of their services online.