As winter rolls around, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Yet, while you’re busy humming to Jingle Bells, unexpected home plumbing woes may sneak in and contribute to a less-than-ideal Christmas. One of the most widespread winter plumbing problems is frozen pipes. Here, we dive deeper into this issue and several other plumbing challenges you may encounter in the colder months. We also offer tips on maintaining your cozy, leak-free holiday atmosphere.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
As the year ends, “winter plumbing” is one of the most searched terms on the internet because homeowners find themselves wrestling with the problem of frozen pipes. This is more than just a seasonal quirk; it’s a significant source of potential water damage to your home. As temperatures drop, the water in uninsulated or insufficiently heated pipes can freeze. Expanding as it freezes, the water pressure causes the pipe to burst; the subsequent thaw results in leaks or even flooding.
To prevent this, it’s crucial to take some proactive steps:
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, or crawlspaces. Insulation materials like pipe sleeves, heat tape, or heat cables are inexpensive yet can save you thousands in repairs.
Keep cabinet doors under sinks open when it’s freezing. This simple act allows warmer air from the rest of the house to circulate the pipes.
Let your faucets drip―especially those served by exposed pipes. Even a tiny trickle keeps water flowing, preventing it from freezing in the pipes.
Efficient Water Heating
The holiday season means joy, laughter, and more guests! As heartwarming as these gatherings are, they often increase demand for hot water―showers, dishwashing, laundry, you name it! Ensuring your water heater is in optimal condition is essential during this high-demand period.
Regularly check for leaks and immediately repair any damaged valves or connections. Even small leaks can lead to significant water waste and damage over time.
Set your water heater temperature safely but efficiently (typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit). This can also prevent accidental burns caused by excessively hot water.
Consider investing in a tankless water heater. Unlike traditional models, these systems heat water directly as it flows through the unit, thus ensuring a continuous supply of hot water to meet your holiday needs.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance
The heart of every holiday celebration is the food. But with all the meal prep and cleanup, your trusty garbage disposal may bear a heavy burden. A few preventative considerations can keep your disposal working efficiently and prevent unpleasant backups.
Avoid placing bones, fats, and fibrous foods down the disposal. These items are particularly tough to grind and can dull the blades, leading to a stressed motor and possible clogs.
Run cold water while using the disposal to help solidify fats or oils, making them easier to grind; furthermore, hard water aids in pushing waste down the drain line.
Schedule a maintenance check involving cleaning and minor repairs can help ensure that your disposal is in prime working order just in time for the holiday feasting.
Bathroom Plumbing Preparations
The holiday influx of guests will naturally increase the use of your bathroom facilities. To keep your bathroom plumbing functioning smoothly:
Provide a trash can in the bathrooms. This simple action reminds guests to toss trash, wrappers, and hygiene products there instead of flushing them down the toilets. Save your pipes!
Check your fixtures for leaks. A leaky faucet or a running toilet may seem minor but can waste a shocking amount of water over time and cause severe damage.
Keep a plunger handy for every bathroom. This empowers any guest to handle minor clogs themselves quickly and discreetly.
Outdoor Plumbing Protection
Finally, pay attention to your outdoor plumbing. These outside elements are most directly exposed to winter conditions in many ways. A few pieces of advice:
Disconnect and store garden hoses indoors. Water left inside hoses can freeze and expand, causing the hose to crack or damage the connected faucet.
Consider insulating your outdoor spigots. This extra precaution can protect your outdoor plumbing hardware from winter’s freezing wrath.
Keep a plunger handy for every bathroom. This empowers any guest to handle minor clogs themselves quickly and discreetly.
Winter offers its wonder but presents unique challenges for homeowners. Keeping ahead of potential problems can help you maintain a cozy, warm, and welcoming atmosphere during the seasonal celebrations. So, as you deck the halls this year, remember these winter plumbing tips to ensure a cozy, leak-free Christmas.
