People living in the Midwest are no strangers to cold weather. Dealing with freezing temperatures has become second nature for most homeowners. When temperatures drop, most homeowners think about the pipes in their homes, but they may forget about their underground pipes. Unfortunately, your plumbing system becomes more vulnerable during these prolonged cold snaps.

In this blog, we’re covering how freezing temperatures can affect your plumbing system, especially your sewer lines. 

How freezing temperatures affect your plumbing system 

During winter, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can significantly impact your plumbing system. When temperatures dip below freezing and then warm up again, this constant change can weaken your pipes, especially in older homes.

Once temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water inside your pipes is at risk of freezing. When ice accumulates inside, it expands, which can cause your pipes to crack or burst. A burst pipe causes significant water damage and is costly to repair. 

If your sewer line were to crack or deteriorate, you may experience a sewer backup as a result. Even if you can’t see the extent of the damage from the outside, it doesn’t mean your plumbing system isn’t feeling the effects.

How cold weather impacts your sewer lines 

Your sewer lines are more vulnerable to colder weather than you may realize. Because they’re buried underground, they’re constantly exposed to freezing temperatures and shifting soil during the winter months. In addition to pipes freezing and cracking, winter weather can also slow drainage, allowing grease, debris, and other materials to build up inside over time. 

Low temperatures increase the likelihood of creating blockages that can lead to drainage issues and backed-up waste entering your home. Cold weather can weaken the pipes over time, compromising the integrity of your plumbing system. 

Unfortunately, it’s challenging to see your sewer lines. Because of this, issues may go unnoticed until warning signs appear. 

Common signs you need a licensed plumber 

Since most of your plumbing system is underground, it’s difficult to spot issues before they occur. Some of the most common signs you may need to call Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical include:

• Strange, prolonged gurgling noises from your toilets and sinks
• Slow drainage
• Foul odors and/or sewage backups into bathtubs, sinks, or showers

If you notice any of these signs or are experiencing other plumbing issues this winter, it’s best to call us. Our team of professional plumbers has the equipment and experience needed to identify and assess these issues once they arise. Our sewer line cameras can inspect your pipes to detect blockages, cracks, or other damage. 

If your sewer lines are in need of repair or replacement, we offer excavation services to fix the problem. Understanding how Midwestern winters can affect your sewer lines can help you identify minor issues before they turn into bigger problems.

Contact Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical for all your plumbing, sewer, and excavation needs

At Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, we know how overwhelming it can be trying to deal with your replacing the pipes in your plumbing system. With our help, you can have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is working efficiently and minimizing your risk of frozen pipes and sewer line issues. 

If you notice any issues before your replacement, we can help with any plumbing emergency at any time of day. We’re fully staffed 24/7 with a supportive and caring customer service team ready to take your call for emergency plumbing services.