Plumbing problems happen even with the best preventive maintenance. Winters like the ones we have in Littleton, CO subjects your system to unique stresses that many systems just can’t handle. Pipes freeze and crack, families visiting strain your drainage system, and before you know it, disaster strikes. We’ve put together three of the most common problems you might face this winter, preventive steps you can take to avoid them, and what to do if they do happen.

1. Clogged Drains

   • Holiday seasons means lots of cooking, lots of visitors, and lots of stuff going down your drains. Now the guests are gone, but the problems they created may only now be appearing. If too much hair and use have clogged your drain, try pouring a soda can down it to begin to break up the clog. If you have a snake, use it, but your best bet is to call a pro.

2. Broken or Cracked Pipes

   • Water pipes experience a lot of internal pressure. Dropping temperatures add stress to the structure, weakening it. Frozen water inside the pipes expands, breaking down the pipe’s integrity. A short-term freeze might not break a pipe right away, but the damage is there. A severe freeze will crack the pipe.
   • To avoid frozen pipes, wrap insulation around your pipes and fixtures, calling in a professional to make sure it’s done right. Warm your house above 55° to heat indoor pipes, and let faucets drip to keep water moving if you know a big freeze is coming your way.

3. Damaged/Dead Water Heater

   • Your water heater constantly runs to keep hot water available when it’s needed. Cold weather makes this job harder, reducing the ambient temperature and increasing the workload for the heating element. Older tanks are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures. To protect yourself from a water heating emergency, have your tank inspected regularly. Keep the tank temperature at 120° F, and use less hot water in winter months.

If you live in the Littleton, CO area and have a plumbing emergency, call Efficient Plumbing today. Our team of professionals can handle whatever has clogged your system.