Winter is coming. For many people, that means colder weather… and plumbing problems. Yes, cold weather can be tough on your plumbing system. You can end up with a frozen pipe or burst hot water unit. In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 most common plumbing problems in winter and how to address them!
Problem #01: Frozen Pipes
Your pipes are at risk of freezing up during very low temperatures, even in Melbourne. If you discover that your pipes have frozen, you may need to turn off the water as soon as possible to avoid them from bursting. You should also call a local plumber to thaw the pipes, check for any damage and for emergency burst pipe repair.
Problem #02: Hot Water Unit Issues
It is very common for issues to occur with your hot water unit during winter. This is due to the change in temperature, when outside temp drops to below 0, the water in the tank can expand and cause the tank to crack, the water intake pipes can overexpand and sometimes burst in cold temperatures. Solar hot water panels are also very prone to bursting and splitting in cold temperatures – these issues most commonly occur in the very early hours of the morning at the coldest time of the day in winter. If you think there is an issue with your water heater, you will know it with a cold shower! Give the team a call for your hot water repair and get it back up and running fast!
Problem #03: Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common problems in winter, and they can be caused by a variety of things, such as frozen pipes, loose fittings, and cracked seals. If you notice a water leak, you should call a plumber right away to fix it before it causes any further damage.
Problem #04: Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a common plumbing problem in winter.
To try and prevent them, make sure that your pipes are properly insulated. If you do have a burst pipe, you will likely need to turn off the water immediately and call a plumber to fix it promptly.
Problem #05: Low Water Pressure
Nothing is more aggravating than having low water pressure when washing your clothes or running the hot water heater. This can be caused by blockages in pipelines, such as galvanized water pipes and leaks. Our plumbers can check for burst pipes or damaged pipes in the vicinity where you are having trouble.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid any plumbing problems in winter is to have preventative maintenance plumbing done by a professional local plumber in your area. This will ensure that your plumbing system is in good working order and that any potential problems are fixed before they have a chance to develop.
In Summary
- Keep your drains clean – Use a drain cover to catch debris
- Have preventative maintenance done regularly
- Check for cracks or leaks in your pipes
If you have any plumbing problems this winter, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll be happy to help.