Why Your Drains May Clog More Often During Winter
In Pompano Beach, we’re definitely lucky to enjoy a balmy, subtropical climate. It’s a joy to admire our beautiful beaches and palm trees all year round.
Even so, our fair city can freeze up on occasion. Indeed, throughout January and February, it’s possible for some days to be in the 30s — or even the 20s.
As a homeowner, then, it’s important to realize the harm that cold weather can do to plumbing systems. Of course, we should also talk about the best way to prevent those issues — and the best ways to deal with them when they do occur.
The Effects of Cold on Pipes
For starters, when temperatures drop, pipes contract. Then there’s less room for materials to pass through. If your pipes contract winter after winter — and expand as soon as it’s warmer — they can weaken over time.
On top of that, when it’s cold, fats and grease congeal more easily. Thus, they’ll stick to your pipe walls more easily. As these substances collect, it becomes harder for water and other liquids to flow through. And this situation can result in stubborn, nasty drain clogs.
Disposal Issues 101
During the winter, people spend more time indoors. Consequently, residential plumbing systems get used more often. And they’re sometimes strained to the max. With that in mind, it helps to practice good disposal habits throughout the winter (and, for that matter, all through the year).
Here are some examples:
- Scrape everything off your plates before you rinse them.
- Avoid pouring oil or grease down your kitchen drain.
- If you use a garbage disposal, don’t put anything hard, starchy, stringy, or fibrous in it — no celery or eggshells, for example.
- Use a drain catcher to keep hair out of your shower and tub drains.
- Besides toilet paper, don’t flush any consumer items (and that includes paper towels and so-called flushable wipes).
Also, once a week or so, you could clean out your pipes by pouring boiling hot water down your drains. (If your pipes are plastic, just use hot water from your faucets.) If there’s any soapy or greasy buildup down there, the hot water may clear at least some of it away.
Another option is to buy a chemical drain cleaner. However, you should save such a product for a severe clog. That’s because chemical cleaners can be harsh. And, if used often, they can degrade pipes — brass and copper pipes in particular.
The Dangers of Ice
Another wintry plumbing issue is water freezing. Naturally, outdoor pipes are more susceptible to this problem. So are pipes in unheated spots like garages and attics.
When water freezes inside a pipe, it doesn’t just cause a temporary blockage. It can also lead to permanent damage. That’s because water expands as it freezes. And, as it expands, it’ll push against the walls of a pipe. That pressure could crack the pipe, leading to leaks or even water bursts.
How can you tell if there’s ice in one of your pipes? Well, if you turn on a faucet and no water emerges, you might have an ice-laden pipe. Frost around a pipe is another telltale sign.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent ice in your pipes.
They include:
- Making sure your faucets are all dripping a little on the coldest days of the year
- Closing your garage doors
- Opening up your cabinets so that warm air can surround your pipes
- Keeping your home the same temperature at night as during the day
- Wrapping up any pipes that are in unheated spots — you might use bubble wrap or blankets
- Wrapping electric heat tape — a special cable that generates heat — around your pipes
- Buying insulated covers for your outdoor pipes
When It’s Time to Call a Plumber
In some cases, you might clear a clog with a simple tool like a plunger or snake.
However, for your safety, you should call a licensed professional if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- A certain clog won’t go away.
- The same drain gets stopped up repeatedly.
- More than one drain is clogged at the same time.
- Your pipes make strange gurgling sounds.
- Water backs up into a sink or tub.
- You detect unusual odors inside your home.
How Pompano Beach Benjamin Franklin Can Help
Whenever drains clog, Pompano Beach Benjamin Franklin is ready to assist. Yes, our licensed technicians can tackle plumbing obstructions of all sizes, shapes, and compositions.
Beyond just unclogging a pipe, though, we could fully inspect your home plumbing system to make sure everything’s working properly. If any components are worn out or malfunctioning, we could provide you with excellent, long-lasting replacements.
In short, our expert plumbers are highly effective, and they’re committed to customer service above all else. We’re very punctual, too. As we always say: If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
Please call us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure your plumbing runs swiftly and smoothly all winter long — no matter how low those pesky temps might go!
