Your Guide to Cold Weather Plumbing with Licensed Plumbers
Why choose Thunderbird Plumbing
Winter in Victoria, BC can bring unique challenges to our plumbing systems. Frozen pipes, unexpected leaks, and failing water heaters can cause costly repairs if not resolved early. This latest guide to winter plumbing problems will provide practical tips to help safeguard your home and protect your plumbing structures throughout the winter season.
Frozen pipes
Why it happens: Although Victoria isn’t known for extreme cold, temperatures can still fall below freezing during winter nights, making outdoor and poorly insulated pipes prone to freezing. Pipes freeze when exposed to sustained temperatures below 0 Celsius.
One of the most detailed studies conducted on freezing and burst water pipes in residential construction was by Jeffrey R. Gordon, and his research highlights that freezing temperatures and ice growth can apply dangerously high pressure on water volume within pipes.
What can go wrong: When water in the pipes freezes, it expands, leading to pipe bursts, leaks, and extensive water damage in your home. A burst pipe can result in repair costs that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.
Solution: Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. You can use foam pipe insulation or even wrap towels around pipes as a temporary fix.
Keep a trickle of water flowing from the faucets during cold nights to keep water moving through the system.
Clogged drains
Why it happens: With more indoor gatherings and comfort food during the winter, it’s common to see increased food waste and grease going down kitchen drains. Cold temperatures can solidify grease faster, leading to blockages.
What can go wrong: Clogged drains are inconvenient and can quickly become more serious plumbing issues if left unaddressed. In the worst cases, they can cause water backflow or even burst pipes from increased pressure.
Solution: Avoid pouring grease, oils, or fibrous foods down the sink. Dispose of these in the trash instead. A drain strainer can also help keep food particles and other debris from entering the pipes.
If you notice slow drainage, try a vinegar and baking soda mixture or call a professional plumber in Victoria for help.
Water heater problems
Why it happens: High demand for hot water puts extra pressure on water heaters, as they must work harder to heat water for baths, showers, and dishwashing.
What can go wrong: Older or poorly maintained water heaters may struggle to meet increased demand, leading to cold showers, inconsistent water temperatures, and even system breakdowns.
Solution: Have your water heater serviced in the fall to ensure it’s ready for winter. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup, can extend the life of your water heater and improve efficiency.
If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to a newer model for better performance.
Leaking faucets
Why it happens: Frequent usage and changing temperatures cause older or worn-out faucets to develop leaks.
What can go wrong: While a leaky faucet may seem minor, it can waste significant amounts of water over time and drive up your utility bill. It can also lead to water damage around sinks or counters.
Solution: Inspect faucets regularly for any signs of leaks or drips, and replace worn washers or seals as needed. In many cases, fixing a leaky faucet is simple, but if you’re unsure, a local plumber can handle the repair quickly.
Sump pump failure
Why it happens: Winter weather can bring heavy rain and wet snow, increasing the water load around your foundation and requiring a sump pump to work harder.
What can go wrong: If your sump pump fails, you could experience a flooded basement and water damage in your home.
Solution: Check your sump pump regularly during winter to ensure it’s in working condition. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit to see if it activates. Keep the area around your pump clear of debris and protect the discharge line from freezing and blockages.
Burst outdoor faucets
Why it happens: Outdoor faucets that haven’t been winterized are at high risk of freezing and bursting during winter.
What can go wrong: Burst outdoor faucets can cause leaks into your walls or foundation, causing expensive structural damage.
Solution: Drain and shut off outdoor faucets before winter arrives. Use faucet covers for extra insulation, and disconnect garden hoses to prevent water from sitting in the pipes and freezing.
Low water pressure
Why it happens: Colder temperatures can thicken water, causing lower pressure in some systems. Mineral buildup or pipe blockages also become more noticeable when water usage is high during winter.
What can go wrong: Low water pressure can disrupt your daily routine, making showers, dishwashing, and other tasks frustrating.
Solution: Check for any visible leaks that might be causing pressure issues. You can also clean faucet aerators to remove mineral deposits. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a Victoria plumber to inspect your system for more serious underlying issues.
Why Choose Thunderbird Plumbing For Your Winter Plumbing Needs?
If you’re experiencing winter plumbing problems, from burst pipes to low water pressure, only an experienced licensed VIctoria plumber can help you solve them. Thunderbird Plumbing’s team offers over 20 years of experience working in the Victoria winter to help address complex plumbing issues with a focus on affordability and speed of response.
Our team is ready to tackle any winter plumbing issue and ensure your home stays warm, dry, and safe all season. We can also offer preventative maintenance tips and services to keep your system running efficiently and safely throughout the winter and help you avoid costly plumbing bills.
Call today via 250-514-4044 and let us handle all your plumbing needs so you can enjoy a worry-free winter!