Prevent Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Winter in Houston may not bring the extreme cold seen in other parts of the country, but even a mild freeze can cause significant plumbing issues. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing accounted for nearly 29% of all homeowners’ insurance claims in recent years. Homeowners must take proactive steps to prevent costly damage. Below, we’ll explore common winter plumbing problems and provide expert tips to protect your home.

Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Understanding the risks can help you take preventive action before temperatures drop. Some of the most frequent plumbing issues in winter include:

1. Frozen Pipes

Even in Houston, occasional freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to expensive water damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that a burst pipe can release up to 4-8 gallons of water per minute, causing thousands of dollars in damages within minutes.

2. Water Heater Failure

Water heaters can struggle to keep up because of increased demand for hot water during colder months. This can lead to breakdowns or inefficient heating. The U.S. Department of Energy states that water heating accounts for about 18% of a home’s energy consumption, making it crucial to maintain efficiency during winter.

3. Clogged Drains

Holiday cooking and gatherings can put extra strain on kitchen drains, increasing the risk of clogs and backups. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that nearly 47% of sewer backups are caused by grease buildup, making proper disposal essential.

4. Outdoor Hose and Faucet Damage

Leaving garden hoses attached or failing to insulate outdoor faucets can result in burst pipes and leaks.

How to Prevent Plumbing Issues

Taking the right steps before and during the winter months can help you avoid expensive plumbing repairs. Here’s what you can do:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like garages, attics, and crawl spaces. The DOE recommends insulating both hot and cold water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent freezing.

2. Let Faucets Drip

If the local weather stations warn of particularly cold nights on the way, allow faucets to drip. This can prevent pressure buildup, which is what leads to frozen pipes. Let both hot and cold faucets trickle slightly during freezing weather.

3. Maintain Your Water Heater

Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup, check the temperature setting (recommended 120°F), and schedule professional maintenance. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your water heater and improve efficiency by up to 15%, according to ENERGY STAR. At Air Specialist, we offer discounts on plumbing repairs or replacements to customers who participate in our HVAC and Plumbing ASAP Club, our membership program designed to save you money on your HVAC repairs.

4. Be Mindful of Drain Usage

Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain, and use strainers to catch debris. The EPA recommends disposing of fats, oils, and grease properly to prevent major blockages. While this can get out of hand during holiday festivities, implement these practices year-round to maintain your pipes.

5. Protect Outdoor Faucets

Disconnect hoses, drain any remaining water, and cover outdoor spigots with insulated faucet covers to prevent freezing and cracking.

6. Know How to Shut Off Your Water

If a pipe were to burst in your home, do you know where or how to turn the water off? This split-second decision can save you on repair costs and minimize damage. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety estimates that timely shut-off can reduce potential damage costs by up to 93%.

Stay Ahead of Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Preventing plumbing issues during the winter is easier and more cost-effective than dealing with emergency repairs. A few timely tasks can save your pocketbook for unnecessary problems. If you experience any cold weather plumbing problems, the expert team at Air Specialist is here to help. Contact us today for winter plumbing maintenance and emergency services in Houston, Texas, or schedule your appointment online!