How to Avoid Common Winter Plumbing Problems

With the cold and wet season, there is the inevitable torrent of rainfall and temperatures so low it chills you straight to the bone. But it affects more than just people; it affects your home’s plumbing too.

5 Common Winter Plumbing Problems

In Burnaby, plumbers often see five common residential plumbing problems each year. Here is what they are and how you can avoid them.

1.) Leaky faucets.

It often gets cold enough at night for small amounts of water to freeze in outdoor faucets. In fact, leaky faucets are the first to freeze and the effect can damage your entire plumbing system. Make sure you inspect your outdoor faucets. If you notice one that is dripping have a plumber in Burnaby fix it immediately.

2.) Frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes leading into the house are also prone to freezing, especially if there is unmoving water sitting in the pipe. On particularly cold days, leave a faucet inside your home open slightly to allow a small amount of water to steadily flow through. If you find a frozen pipe, shut off the main water supply to prevent the pipe from rupturing. Defrost the frozen area with warm water. If that doesn’t work, contact a Burnaby plumber to resolve the issue.

3.) Broken water lines.

A break in your water pipes could cause significant damage to your home. The most common reason this occurs is the presence of a frozen garden hose. The ice inside the hose can cause pressure to build up in your home’s water lines and create a break. Make sure your garden hoses are drained and disconnected.

4.) Non-winterized plumbing.

Any part of your plumbing system that won’t be used over the winter should be properly winterized. To make sure your plumbing is in good repair for the months ahead, contact a plumber in Burnaby to reduce the risk of cracking and freezing.

5.) Water heater breakdown.

Your water heater runs at maximum capacity all winter long. That can put a real strain on your water heater, especially if it hasn’t been serviced in a while. Sediment at the bottom of the water heater tank should be removed once per year to improve its efficiency.

Do you need plumbing repair in Burnaby?

Winterizing your plumbing system does not have to be hard. Following the simple guidelines above will save you a lot of headaches and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly. However, if you do encounter a problem with your plumbing system, you can rely on the experts at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating to resolve it for you. From toilet repair in Burnaby to faucets and furnaces, we are here to help. Contact us today!