What to Lookout for with Your Plumbing During Cooler Nights | Insight from Your Trusted Plumber in The Heights, TX

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When you own a home, you are responsible for anything that goes wrong. Sometimes this may mean very little to you, especially if you own a newer home, but other times this can mean you are paying for repairs frequently. For some reason, it seems like more things go wrong during the cold and chilly winter months than others. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing. 

While the weather in The Heights, TX may not be as frigid as other parts of the US, there are certain months where temperatures can dip towards freezing during the night. Due to the generally mild weather, a lot of homeowners don't think about the damage the cold can have on their plumbing systems. A plumber can tell you that this results in a lot of emergency calls for them throughout the winter months.

Being aware of what can happen during the winter months can help you prevent a late-night call to a plumber, or at least make you aware of when to call a plumber. There are a few things a savvy homeowner should be on the lookout for during the cooler nights of winter in The Heights, TX.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are not a common occurrence in The Heights, TX, but they do happen from time to time when the area receives unseasonably cold weather at night. Homes and piping in Texas are commonly not insulated for cold weather, so a patch of cold nights can be enough to cause an issue. You may be shocked to wake up and find out your water isn't working, but if this happens your first call should be to a plumber.

If you suspect that your pipes are frozen, you need to immediately turn off the water to your home. Water running along a system that has frozen pipes can cause a clog that in turn can lead to a burst pipe. Once the water is turned off, call in a plumber to diagnose the problem. If the pipes are frozen they can generally offer you professional solutions, but if it turns out to be another issue they can promptly troubleshoot it and get your water flow corrected.

Break in Your Water Line

A frozen pipe is never a good issue, but a frozen pipe can lead to a water line break depending on how long the pipe is left unattended. This is one reason why we emphasis just how important it is to call a plumber if you suspect an issue with frozen pipes. Standing water often leads to a water line break because it is easy for that standing water to freeze. Once that water freezes it blocks the line until eventually the water line breaks or bursts from the water pressure.

These major leaks can turn out to be quite expensive to repair, so the smart move is to call a plumber before it gets to that point. A professional plumber can install pressure relief valves along your water line in areas that are prone to freezing on cold nights to help prevent the chance of blockages. Oftentimes these preventative measures are all it takes to ensure that your plumbing remains sound. 

No Hot Water

Waking up without hot water is not a great way to start the day, but it does happen from time to time and can signal that something is wrong with your water heater. Before calling a plumbing company in The Heights, TX, make sure that no one has been using the hot water because with a standard water heater you can run out of hot water. If it's not a case of someone taking a very long shower, then it is time to seek out help from a professional plumber. 

A lot of times hot water shortages occur during the winter months because the hot water cools as it travels upwards along very cold pipes. The cold pipes chill the hot water so you don't receive hot water until the chilled pipes themselves are warmed also. Although it is certainly better to have this type of issue, it is an inconvenience because more hot water is consumed in the colder months than any other time of the year. Sometimes simply insulating your pipes a bit better can help solve this problem.

Clogged Drains

The other number one reason people call the plumber during the winter months is surprisingly clogged drains. Most likely it is because people are cooking in their kitchens during the winter months, and this results in materials slipping down the drain that normally wouldn't. You can prevent this by limiting your garbage disposal use and making sure that you are only tossing degradable, small items down the drain.

While it may seem easier to toss everything in the drain while hosting a party, it is worth the extra minute walk to the trash can. It is better to spend a couple of extra minutes prepping for your occasion versus a few hours dealing with a plumber and a clogged sink. No one wants to apologize for the odor of a clogged sink during a holiday gathering, and no one wants to pay for an emergency plumber to come bail them out on the weekends or holidays.

Believe it or not, toilets are just as likely to get clogged during the holiday season as well because they tend to be used more than any other season. More holiday guests mean more traffic to the bathroom. Try to reduce the risk of a clog by only allowing guests to use toilet paper (no wet wipes) during the holiday season and keep small children out of the restroom. This helps eliminate the chance of an odd toy or bath item ending up in your piping system. Contact bluefrog Plumbing and Drain of Northwest Houston to schedule an appointment!