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One of the most common cold-weather plumbing problems is frozen pipes. When the mercury dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, poorly insulated or exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces are especially vulnerable to freezing. That means they’re in danger of bursting, and trust us, you want to avoid that mess at all costs.

Left unaddressed, a burst pipe can cause costly water damage to your property — we’re talking thousands of dollars in repairs — and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. However, frozen or burst pipes don’t always announce themselves with a “bang.”

You know better than to wash oil and grease down your drains, but we understand that sometimes, stuff happens. And as you now know, cold weather can clog drains. Pipes collect debris, whether it’s hair, soap scum, or sludgy cooking substances that build up over time. When cold weather hits, anything stuck in pipes can stiffen, solidify, or combine with frozen water to leave you with a fully stopped-up sink or shower.

Frozen lines, such as kitchen sink drain pipes, are an inconvenient cold weather plumbing problem—but fortunately, you can take steps to prevent them.

When you encounter winter clogs, try pouring boiling water down the drain in question in order to thaw the obstruction. Or pick up the phone. Let a pro take a closer look at what’s causing your clogs and provide a permanent solution, not just a quick fix.

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

Follow these tips to prevent drain blockages and additional plumbing issues:

• Tip #1: Keep grease, fat, oil, bones, coffee grounds, and other clog-forming items out of the garbage disposal. Throw these items in the trash instead.
• Tip #2: Run ice in your garbage disposal to keep the system clean and functioning properly.
• Tip #3: Run cold water while using the garbage disposal and after (for 15 to 30 seconds).

While cold weather can clog drains and freeze pipes, there is one more cold weather plumbing problem to watch for: water heater deterioration and malfunctions. Your water heater works extremely hard throughout the year, but in the winter months, it goes into overdrive to meet the increased demand for hot showers, heavy loads of laundry, and dishes. That additional wear and tear can lead to a water heater breakdown, especially if you’ve skipped seasonal maintenance over the past year or longer.

Lukewarm or chilly water, when you want it piping hot, doesn’t just make for a dissatisfying shower experience. It could be a sign of an overworked or failing water heater. If you notice inconsistent water temperatures, hear strange sounds coming from the water heater, or observe signs of leakage around the base of the appliance, act fast. A busted water heater, like a burst pipe, is a mess no homeowner wants to deal with — no matter the season.

There’s certainly no shortage of cold weather plumbing problems. Cold weather can clog drains, create frozen shower drains or pipes, and cause a lot of trouble with your water heater tank. Fortunately, you don’t have to frantically search the internet for an “emergency plumber near me now,” since Green Apple Mechanical is here to help.

For more information or to get help with a frozen pipe, clogged drain, or worn-down water heater this winter, call Green Apple Mechanical. Our team is available at any time to provide reliable, professional plumbing maintenance or repair services throughout central New Jersey.