Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
Winter weather can be hard on homes (and you!) in Pennsylvania. During the winter, temperatures often dip below 30 degrees. The coldest month is January, where you can expect temperatures to reach below-freezing in northern parts of the state. This cold weather often causes plumbing problems, household damage, and headaches for homeowners.
Most winter plumbing problems become obvious right away. That gives you the chance to get professional help before things spiral out of control. But, what are some signs you should watch for during the winter? Below, you’ll find five common plumbing problems that residents often contact Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air about in the winter.
Frozen pipes can cause costly damage to your plumbing system. Pipes are at risk of freezing when the temperatures go below 30 degrees. This is even more likely if the temperatures stay below 20 degrees for several days.
If you turn on the faucet and no water comes out, then you might have frozen pipes. Other things can cause this to happen, but during the winter, it’s most likely a case of frozen pipes. You might even see a layer of frost on the outside of the pipes. Sudden cracks or bulges can also mean the pipes are frozen. When winter temperatures drop below 30 degrees, consider letting your faucets drip. Dripping faucets can possibly prevent the pipes from freezing and help avoid the need for urgent pipe replacement service or a major repair.
Pipes are strong enough to handle most things, but cold weather often gets the best of them. Freezing temperatures can cause water inside of a pipe to freeze. When the frozen water expands, it puts a lot of pressure on the pipe from the inside. The pipe is likely to crack or burst if the pressure becomes unbearable. Once the frozen water melts, it will pour out of the pipe and cause a leak or even flood your home.
Metal and steel pipes that are old or weak are more likely to burst. This is because pipes made of this material can corrode, and things like rust will weaken a pipe. Weak areas are likely to crack from the pressure of the expanding frozen water. However, PVC pipes can burst as well. PVC pipes are less likely to burst because they’re less flexible than metal or steel, but exposure to frozen water can still create unbearable pressure.
Freezing temperatures can do more than just affect your pipes. Cold weather can also cause damage to the seals and washers on your faucets. These are small parts that play a big role in your plumbing. Without strong seals and washers, your faucets will leak when the faucets are off.
When the temperatures are freezing, this can cause seals and washers to become brittle and crack. These parts are usually made of durable materials such as rubber or metal. But, rubber can become stiff and less flexible when exposed to cold temperatures. This condition can damage the washers and seals. And metal can contract if it gets too cold, which can cause washers and seals to break under the pressure.
You’ll know you have a washer or seal with a crack when water starts dripping from the faucet. No matter how tightly you turn the faucet in the off direction, nothing stops the water from dripping. This is a problem you shouldn’t ignore because it will cause your water bill to rise, so call for faucet repair or replacement service as soon as you notice it.
It’s true that a drain can clog during any month of the year, but it happens most often during the winter. One reason for this is because of the winter holidays that cause people to cook much more than usual and have guests over!
These holidays often mean there’s more cooking and dishwashing, which puts a strain on your plumbing system. During this time, you’re more likely to get grease and food debris going down your drains.
Grease doesn’t seem like a problem when it’s in liquid form. But the grease that goes down your drain can quickly solidify inside pipes. And if it’s freezing outside, the grease is likely to solidify even faster. Once the grease is cool, it can stick and cause a serious clog. For an idea of how this works, look at grease left behind in a frying pan after the pan sits for a period of time. The grease cools and hardens into a white sticky substance, which is exactly what it does in the drain.
Food debris is another major cause of winter plumbing blockages. So, in addition to grease going down the drains, there’s also the issue of leftover food from plates and eating utensils. Large items won’t go down the drain, but small food particles can accumulate and cause big problems.
Cold weather can impact your septic system, just like it affects indoor plumbing. One common issue is that colder temperatures slow down the bacteria responsible for breaking down solid waste in the tank. While the bacteria don’t stop working entirely, extreme cold can reduce their efficiency, leading to a gradual buildup of sludge. This is usually only a concern if the system isn’t properly insulated or used infrequently.
Another risk is frozen pipes leading from your home to the septic tank. If these pipes freeze, wastewater can back up into the home instead of flowing into the tank. When the frozen section thaws, it may release a surge of water, but this usually won’t flood the drain field. Instead, it can temporarily overload the system, potentially causing slow drainage or backups in sinks and toilets. Preventative measures like insulating exposed pipes, using the system regularly, and avoiding excessive water usage during freezing temperatures can help keep your septic system functioning properly throughout the winter.
There are several reasons why you should prepare your plumbing for winter weather. Some of these reasons include:
Dealing with winter plumbing problems is often overwhelming. This is why it’s wise to contact a professional plumber when plumbing problems arise. Homeowners in Etters, PA can reach out to Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air for help with all types of plumbing concerns.
You’ll find that our professional plumbers offer a variety of services for plumbing. These include backflow testing, well pump installation and repair, wastewater pump services, sewer pipe and drain installation, and pipe replacement.
Contact Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air today to learn more about our full suite of home services!
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!