As the seasons change, we think more about how to prepare ourselves in order to enjoy the weather that comes along with it. What we often don’t think about is the effect on our homes and offices, including things like the plumbing.
Typically, we just take it for granted that things will always work. However, the cooler weather can take a toll on our homes. That’s why we should prepare for such changes with preventative maintenance.
While the winter months here in Canada are a great time for skiing, snowboarding, and hockey, this intense cold will wreak havoc on the plumbing in our homes. The cold weather can result in pipes freezing and bursting, overworked plumbing systems due to high demand, and even an increase in drain clogs.
Winter plumbing maintenance in the fall is ideal to prevent these issues from arising, either by identifying existing problems or putting solutions in place to prevent them from developing.
With this in mind, there are some areas of the home, both inside and out, that will require more attention than others as they are the most vulnerable.
If you have hoses to water the garden or an automated sprinkler system, these will need attention sooner rather than later.
As water freezes, it expands, resulting in burst pipes and hoses. For outdoor plumbing, you might only notice this issue in the spring when you use the hoses and discover water flowing everywhere.
Outdoor faucets should be turned off at the main supply and drained to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. A burst pipe in the winter can result in water flowing back into the house, causing even more damage.
To safely shut off the water supply to the outdoor hose, you will need to check two locations. Start inside your home, typically in the basement, where you’ll find the shut-off valve for the outside faucet. Once you’ve turned off this valve, go outside to disconnect the hose and shut off the faucet.
Next, drain the hose and store it properly for the winter. Open the hose bib to allow it to drain completely; it’s best to leave it open throughout the winter. Afterward, return to the basement and drain the bleeder cap located on the side of the outdoor valve. You may want to use a small cup or towel to catch any water that drains out. Once it is fully drained, you can retighten the valve, and you’re all set!
Slow drains or gurgling pipes should be looked at by a professional plumber. While this can be attributed to things like a build-up of grease and oils and organic matter poured down the drains, causing a buildup in the pipes, clogs can also indicate breaks and cracks in the pipes.
Storing cooking oils and grease in containers for disposal in the garbage is the recommended way, though we are all guilty of pouring it down the drains. Flushing it with hot water can help to remove the clog and allow the water to flow freely. When nothing else works, contact expert plumbing services that can flush it right out of the pipes.
The U-bend in the pipes commonly found in floor drains is also referred to as a Trap. This is designed to prevent gases from the sewer line from backing up through the pipes and entering the home by containing water to act as a barrier.
The cold weather can dry this trap out, so flushing about a gallon of water down the drain will replenish this and combat the smell.
However, if refilling the trap doesn’t take care of the stench, there may be another issue at work. A number of other issues might be the culprit, including damaged or clogged pipes. In this instance, it’s best to consult a professional plumbing service to get to the root of the problem.
Freezing pipes are a common issue caused by the cold Canadian winters. Just like with hoses outdoors, if the water or liquids in your pipes freeze, they will expand, which could result in a burst or leaking pipe.
One way to prevent damage caused by freezing is to make sure your home is kept at a consistently warm temperature day and night, and let your faucets drip just a little bit (as even a small amount of trickling water can help prevent freezing).
Despite the cold weather and dreary, grey Toronto skies, the winter months also bring a lot to look forward to. Winter holidays are a time to celebrate and spend quality moments with loved ones.
During the winter holidays, you might host a dinner or party, or even have loved ones come to stay with you for a few days. While these occasions are a joyful time, they also have the potential to put a significant strain on your plumbing.
Having more people in your home leads to increased use of your plumbing and drains. More frequent showers from guests staying over or the increased toilet flushing from many guests can all put the pipes under more stress, especially if there are underlying issues that you weren’t aware of.
If you’re planning to host this holiday season, calling a plumber for preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to get ahead of potential problems. At Advanced Plumbing, we can take a look at your pipes and drains and correct any issues we find before the extra use can make it a serious concern.
Another way to ease the strain on your plumbing is to have a chat with your guests. Ensure they know not to flush foreign objects down the toilet (paper towels and the vegetables your cousin didn’t want to eat, for example) or put food (especially grease and oils) down the drains. With a little bit of caution and respect, you can avoid a serious winter holiday plumbing disaster.
Advanced Plumbing has provided top-notch plumbing services in Toronto and the GTA for years. We understand the plumbing challenges that come with the winter months and colder weather and can help you prepare effectively. When emergencies arise, you can count on us to respond swiftly and efficiently.
For more information, you can call Advanced Plumbing at 416-769-8800 or visit us online. Book our exceptional plumbing services ahead of the coming chill.