Common Winter Plumbing Checks

If there’s one part of the house that is often neglected, it’s the plumbing system. After all, if the shower works, toilets are running, and everything else is flowing nicely, then why worry?

The worry comes when the plumbing stops working nicely, and everything erupts into instant chaos. Plumbing problems are never convenient for anyone, and severe plumbing issues—like burst pipes—are often costly and complicated to repair.

Maintenance is always key to keeping any of the components of your home functional. As your number one plumbing team in Chicago, Four Seasons Plumbing is committed to helping others experience fewer plumbing issues this winter and a happier, smoother holiday season and New Year. In this guide, we’ll share some of the most important winter plumbing checks you should know to help you prepare for a great winter season.

Prepare the Pipes

Frozen pipes can be a problem for some homeowners when the temperatures drop. This results in water remaining frozen within the pipes, which means saying goodbye to showers and washing your hands until they thaw out. It can also cause the pipes to burst, which can be a huge and expensive problem to fix.

Some fixes include insulating your pipes, especially vulnerable ones in certain locations on the property. Another less involved solution to the problem is to simply turn on the faucet. All you need is a trickle of water to come out of the faucet, and the pipes won’t freeze. This works because the water rushing through the pipes needs an outlet to keep moving. This rather simple fix is the key to avoiding burst pipes and flooding, which is always a good thing.

Unclog the Drain

Ironically, this issue isn’t from the cold weather, but rather what this time of year represents. It’s the holiday season, which means you’re likely cooking at home more than you normally would. This goes double for those who play host for any holiday gatherings that occur.

These festivities are perfect occasions for grease, food, and other items to end up in your drain. This can result in a clogged drain that you can’t resolve on your own. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to use a drain cover and make liberal use of the trashcan instead.

Watch Your Septic Tank

Just like your normal pipes, septic pipes can suffer from extreme cold as well. If left unchecked for too long, this problem can lead to a septic tank backup and burst septic pipes. This means expensive repairs and the inability to use the bathroom at the same time.

Make sure to have a Chicago plumber come out to check the septic tanks before it gets too cold so you can stay ahead of any potential issues before they become problems.

Don’t Forget the Water Line

During the summer, it’s likely you leave the hose connected to your water lines. After all, you connect and forget it until it’s time to water things down. However, in the winter this can create problems such as ice and pressure buildup. All you need to do is unplug your garden hoses to drastically decrease the likelihood of water line problems.

Go Easy on Your Water Heater

This may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to winter plumbing, but the truth is that your water heater works overtime during the cold season. This is because the water coming into the heater is extra cold due to surrounding temperatures. The colder the water, the more the heater has to work to do its job.

You can give your water heater a bit of a break by using less hot water during especially cold weather. Plus, you can always adjust the thermostat on your water heater as well, so turn it down when not in use. Just remember that the key to managing any needed maintenance or repair to your water heater is to do so promptly with the help of skilled technicians like our team.

Plumbing Assistance With Four Seasons Plumbing

As your Chicago plumbing service, we’re prepared to tackle any concern from small issues to major repairs. Our team works diligently to ensure we offer the best in service and solutions for our customers, including:

• Fully Licensed Professional Plumbers
• 24/7 Availability and Emergency Services
• Affordable Pricing and Simple Financing
• Same-Day Service Calls
• Lifetime Repair Guarantees

If you need a Chicago plumber, give our team at Four Seasons Plumbing a call to speak with one of our agents about our plumbing solutions. You can also fill out our online form to schedule a quick, in-home estimate and consultation.