Whether winter releases its icy grip all at once with a flip of the weather switch or it slowly hands us over to warmer temperatures, the end of the cold season might have already done some damage to your home’s plumbing system. Take a look at these three common plumbing issues that occur after winter.
Frozen Pipes
This one is hard to ignore. Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing issues during winter. It happens when water inside your pipes freeze, which can cause them to crack or burst. A burst pipe is easy to recognize because of the massive damage it can do immediately. A cracked one might not be as obvious, but it can create the same damage more slowly. These cracked pipes can become more apparent as temperatures rise and the water inside the damaged pipes start to thaw and leak.
If you think you might have a frozen pipe, locate the pipe and apply gentle heat using a hairdryer or towels soaked in warm water to thaw. It’s a good idea to have a licensed plumber inspect your plumbing for small cracks that might be difficult for you to find yourself.
Water Heater Issues
Months of bitter cold force your water heater to work harder to maintain optimal temperatures. This strain can lead to sediment buildup, decreased efficiency and even a failure of the system.
It’s a good idea to have a professional inspection of your water heater and a maintenance plan that will flush the tank to remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps remove excess water from your basement, acting like your home’s first line of defense against flooding. During winter, melting snow can saturate the ground affecting the water table just like a soaking rain.
Before winter and after the season, it’s a good idea to check your sump pump to make sure it is working efficiently and effectively. Making it through winter without a flooded basement doesn’t mean you should take for granted your sump pump is ready to move onto spring showers without an inspection.
Choose Neffsville Heating & Cooling for Indoor Air Quality Services in South Central PA
Winter can be hard on our home’s plumbing systems. At Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services, our skilled plumbing and HVAC experts can make sure your home’s systems are prepared to transition from one season to the next. Join our Customer Care Program, a preventative maintenance service for your home, to get a free annual inspection of your water lines, drains and fixtures, discounts on repairs, and priority scheduling for emergency service.
Call us at 717-625-1000 now to schedule indoor air quality services with a member of our team.
