Top 3 Common Winter Plumbing Problems
Although the Seattle area is known more for rain than harsh winters, the winter months still bring plenty of cold weather. And once in a while, the temperature will even drop below freezing. This is one of the reasons why household plumbing problems tend to become more common during the winter. But if you’re aware of these issues, their symptoms, and how to avoid them, you’ll be better equipped to keep your home functioning smoothly. When you need any kind of reliable plumbing services in the greater Seattle area, you can always reach out to Gene Johnson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical.
1) Frozen Pipes
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, your household pipes can be at risk of freezing. And when pipes freeze, they often end up cracking or even bursting, which can lead to large amounts of water leaking into your home. As a result, you may end up with water damage to your property, mold growth, poor water pressure, and spiking water bills. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent your home’s pipes from freezing. For one, you can add protective insulation to all of your exposed pipes to keep them from getting too cold. Additionally, you can leave your household faucets dripping to keep the water moving and ensure it doesn’t freeze. If you do have a pipe freeze and burst in your home, don’t hesitate to enlist our burst pipe repair services at Gene Johnson.
2) Clogged Drains
For many people, the best thing about the winter is spending time with friends and family members for the holidays. However, if you’re regularly having get-togethers at your home, it can make things difficult for your plumbing system. Specifically, it tends to be hard on your drains. With so much tasty food being prepared, it’s common for lots of cooking oil, fat, and food items to go down the kitchen sink, which can easily lead to a clogged drain. Plus, if you’re having people stay at your house, there will be more people bathing, which can create more work for your shower drain as well. Our plumbers at Gene Johnson offer thorough drain cleaning services, but you may be able to avoid needing them. For your kitchen sink, be careful to avoid sending oil, grease, fat, and solid food items down the drain. As for the shower, consider utilizing a hair trap to prevent too much hair and debris from going down the drain.
3) Water Heater Problems
Another part of your plumbing system that tends to see increased usage during the winter is your water heater. There are a couple of reasons for this. For one thing, the chilly weather makes long, hot showers a lot more appealing. Plus, if you’re having guests for the holidays, they may be using hot water in addition to your home’s typical occupants. With this extra pressure on your water heater, it’s going to accumulate more wear and tear and become more likely to experience mechanical problems. If you consistently stay on top of water heater maintenance and flush the tank every year, you can reduce the likelihood of these issues. If a problem does come up, though, our team at Gene Johnson offers comprehensive water heater services. As soon as you start to notice any red flags with your water heater, such as a lack of hot water, inconsistent hot water, or water taking a long time to heat up, you should give us a call and schedule an appointment.
Expert Plumbing Professionals in Seattle
While the winter can be a treacherous season for your plumbing system, there’s no reason that minor plumbing issues need to turn into disasters. Being proactive about preventing plumbing problems is always a wise choice, but taking prompt action when the warning signs appear is just as important. At Gene Johnson, our licensed and insured plumbers are trained and experienced in handling all kinds of plumbing services. Plus, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our team.
