The weather can change in the blink of an eye, especially in the Midwest. You never know whether you’ll experience sub-zero temperatures or snowy conditions. Even if we have a mild winter, the cold weather can still wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Preparing for these common issues can help you prevent unexpected breakdowns and emergencies.
Your plumbing system is vulnerable to the cold weather while it works to supply your home with water. Over time, your system can begin to wear down as it tries to meet these demands. Some common winter plumbing problems include:
- Frozen well pumps
- Malfunctioning sump pumps
- Broken-down water heaters
In this blog, we’re covering how these issues arise and offering tips on how to prevent them from occurring.
Frozen well pumps
If you live in a rural area, chances are you rely on a well pump to supply well water to your home. In winter, that pump may freeze from the extreme temperatures, especially if the parts are exposed. Above-ground jet pumps and pressure switches are more exposed to the elements, increasing the likelihood of freezing.
Once the jet pump freezes, the ice can expand, adding pressure that can cause pipes to expand and crack, leading to blockages. When the pressure switch freezes, it can prevent the pump from turning on and off correctly, affecting water flow and pressure. In extreme situations, frozen well pump components can cause frozen pipes to burst, leaving you with water damage to clean up.
During the winter months, it’s crucial to monitor your plumbing system and its components to catch minor issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Malfunctioning pumps
Since your sump pump plays an important role, it needs to be in good working order, especially during the long winter months. Keeping a battery backup on hand can help if you experience an unexpected power outage as a result of heavy snowfall. Without it, your home is susceptible to melted snow, which can cause water damage to your basement and surrounding areas.
Sump pumps
Sump pumps play a vital role in keeping your basement dry during heavy rainfall and when snow melts. Without it, your basement and other vulnerable areas can experience water damage from the excess groundwater. When temperatures drop below freezing, these discharge lines are vulnerable to freezing, as do other parts of your plumbing system.
Ejector pumps
Ejector pumps work similarly to sump pumps, pushing wastewater from your plumbing fixtures through a discharge line. Once frozen, the pump tries to run continuously, wearing it down even more. When your sewer pipes freeze, the wastewater can’t flow properly, so it backs up.
Having your sump pump and ejector pump inspected by a plumbing technician can help you avoid potentially dangerous and costly situations.
Broken down water heaters
The last thing you want to do in the winter is take a cold shower. Unfortunately, water heaters tend to break down at the most inconvenient times. Winter takes a toll on your water heater, making it work harder than usual this time of year.
The water entering your tank is much colder than expected because of lower outside temperatures. Meeting the increasing demand for warm water requires your unit to work harder to compensate. The additional stress this places on your water heater tank can cause it to break down prematurely. If your unit consistently has to work overtime to warm the cool water, you’ll begin to notice the inconsistencies.
Annual water tank flushes can help your unit work more efficiently throughout the year. Regular flushes remove built-up minerals and sediment that have accumulated in the tank, which can negatively affect its performance. Having hot water in the winter is essential, so having a licensed plumber perform annual maintenance can help reduce inconsistencies.
How to prevent these common plumbing problems this season
Annual preventative maintenance is the key to keeping your plumbing systems running at peak efficiency. You should always call a professional plumbing company like Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical to come and inspect your water heater, sump pump, and sewer lines each year. These inspections are essential for catching issues early, before they turn into dangerous situations or costly repairs.
Aside from annual preventive maintenance, winterizing your outdoor hose bibs can help reduce your risk of plumbing issues when temperatures drop below zero. Disconnecting your hose from your hose bib allows water to drain out, preventing it from freezing. You should also open the hose bib and let the excess water drip out. A frozen hose bib can cause excess pressure inside which can cause it to crack or burst, resulting in costly water damage.
By calling a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing systems and by doing your part to winterize your outdoor plumbing and prevent future problems.
Protect your family and home with regular maintenance and repairs from Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical
Annual maintenance isn’t a recommendation you should take lightly. Annual preventative services like sump pump inspections and water heater tank flushes are your best defense against unexpected breakdowns and other unexpected plumbing emergencies. During every service, our trusted plumbing technicians take the time to check for underlying problems, explain what they find, and offer long-lasting solutions that are tailored to your home.
Our Crystal Club membership offers exclusive member benefits the ability to purchase a plan tailored to your home and needs, as well as maintenance reminders to ensure you never miss a tune-up.
At Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, we’re available 24/7 for emergency heating, plumbing, and electrical services. Call us today at (815) 444-0979 to schedule your tune-up. Remember, we’re there when you need us!
