Does Cold Weather Affect My Plumbing?

Each winter, cold temperatures strain your plumbing system. If you’re not careful, you could end up with frozen pipes, poor water heater performance, and clogged drains as icy weather takes its toll. Fortunately, you can prepare your plumbing for dropping temperatures to help prevent many of these issues. Then, you can always call Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling if you need plumbing services in Utah County or Draper, UT.

What Plumbing Problems Arise in the Winter?

Cold temperatures can be tough on your pipes, plumbing appliances, and drains for several reasons. Here are three of the most common problems you may face:

• Frozen pipes: When outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, frozen pipes become a real possibility. The most vulnerable pipes are those that run through unconditioned spaces like the garage, crawlspace, or unfinished basement. If you open a faucet on a chilly morning and no water comes out, you could have frozen pipes. Thaw them promptly, or the pipes could burst and cause costly property damage.
• Poor water heater performance: Your water heater works hard all year round, but raising the water temperature to the desired level is most challenging in the winter. Plus, your family probably spends more time at home when the weather is cold, driving up demand for hot water even more. Without proper water heater maintenance, you’re more likely to experience problems or complete breakdowns in the winter.
• Clogged drains: While foreign objects can clog your drains any time of year, they are especially problematic in the winter. After all, substances such as cooking grease, starchy foods, and coffee grounds harden into impervious globs in cold drain pipes. Plus, holiday houseguests may unintentionally strain your shower drains and toilets.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter Weather

Take these precautions to lower your chances of plumbing problems this winter:

• Detach garden hoses, blow out your sprinkler system, and drain swimming pool lines before the first freeze arrives.
• Let water dribble from your faucets on bitterly cold nights to help keep the pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Insulate vulnerable plumbing with heat tape and pipe sleeves.
• Keep your garage door closed if the water heater or pipes are located in the garage.
• Install a water heater jacket for insulation.
• Hire a plumber to maintain your water heater once a year.
• Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
• Keep clog-forming substances out of your drains.
• Install mesh strainers on your shower drains.

Schedule Plumbing Services when Problems Arise

At Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, we know that your pipes and drains can act up any time of day or night. That’s why we offer emergency plumbing services. Our team aims to complete every repair quickly and reliably, leaving you with a problem-free plumbing system to enjoy for many months to come. Give us a call at 801-226-3033 for Utah County customers and 801-229-2665 if you live in Draper to speak with a knowledgeable plumber today.