Wisconsin winters are notoriously cold — we’ve recorded outdoor temperatures as low as 55 below zero. And when temperatures plummet, even if they don’t get quite that low, plumbing issues are almost inevitable.
At Steve’s Plumbing and Heating, we know just how inconvenient and potentially damaging winter plumbing problems can be, and we’re here to help you avoid them. Read on to learn about five of the most common cold-weather plumbing issues we see, how to prevent them, and how to handle a winter plumbing emergency.
1. Low Water Pressure
If your pipes aren’t well-insulated, water can freeze within them when the temperatures drop below freezing. One of the first signs of frozen pipes is low water pressure, so if you see only a trickle when you turn on your faucet, it’s time to call a plumber.
To prevent frozen pipes—and the tremendous home damage they can cause—always insulate exposed pipes from the cold. You can purchase foam insulation from your local home improvement store and secure it around your pipes with a bit of duct tape. An easy hour’s worth of work could save you thousands in water damage repair costs.
2. Water Heater Malfunction
Ever heard of the polar plunge? That’s what you’ll be doing if your water heater fails this winter. The average water heater has a lifespan of approximately 10 years, so if you know your unit is nearing its end, replace it before it fails.
Even if you know your water heater has a few good years left, it’s always smart to have it inspected for issues before your holiday company comes calling. If you’re not a fan of ice-cold showers, contact a water heater repair specialist to make sure your water heater is in perfect working order.
If your water heater is currently having issues, check out how to handle the most common water heater problems.
3. Leaking or Bursting Pipes
It’s no secret that Wisconsin winters are ridiculously cold. Unfortunately, if you haven’t prepared your plumbing properly, frigid temperatures will do more than just freeze the tip of your nose.
Water can freeze within your pipes if your plumbing isn’t well-insulated or contains a clog. And when water freezes, it expands and may create enough pressure inside the pipe to cause a leak or force it to burst completely.
Even less glamorous is a frozen pipe that runs toward your septic tank. When the weather is particularly cold, the ground begins to freeze, which puts pressure on the underground pipe that feeds that tank.
Heavy snow cover provides a bit of extra insulation to keep the pipe from freezing, but if the ground is snow-free, your septic pipe may be in danger. To prevent frozen or leaky pipes this winter, have your plumbing inspected for weakness and consider scheduling professional drain cleaning, too.
If you don’t know already, here’s how to prevent frozen and burst pipes and winter plumbing leaks.
4. Clogged Pipes
The holiday season is notorious for causing clogged pipes. Endless food preparation, parties, and houseguests put considerable strain on your drains and plumbing system. Combine that with the sub-freezing outdoor temperatures, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for drain clogs.
If you expect company this holiday season, be proactive about inspecting your plumbing for issues. If found, minor drain clogs can be easily remedied with professional drain cleaning.
Many homeowners don’t think about this potential issue until it’s too late — don’t make the mistake of being like them. The last thing you need is an overflowing toilet in the middle of your Christmas party.
5. Frozen Outdoor Spigots
Most homeowners know they should drain their outdoor spigots, disconnect hoses, and shut off the outdoor water supply before freezing weather hits. But those that don’t know this (or inadvertently forget to do it) end up with frozen spigots. Unfortunately, frozen outdoor spigots aren’t a minor issue, even though they may seem relatively harmless.
When water freezes inside a pipe that feeds an improperly winterized outdoor spigot, it can cause the pipe to crack. If that happens, water will inevitably leak out, damaging the surrounding wall structure or the home's lowest level (the basement or crawl space).
Luckily, avoiding this winter plumbing problem is super easy. Just make sure you disconnect your garden hoses, drain the spigot, and, if it has a dedicated water valve, turn that off just to play it safe. Ideally, you’ll want to do this before November, but in any case, it’s better to do it late than not to do it at all.
If you remember, when it’s already freezing outside, you can try warming up the spigot to get any ice inside to melt. The more water you get out of there, the lower your chances of dealing with a burst pipe later in the season.
How to Handle a Winter Plumbing Emergency
If you’re the unfortunate victim of a plumbing emergency during winter, whether it’s a frozen pipe or a sudden water leak, don’t panic. First and foremost, turn off your water main (if you don’t know where it is, find it asap so you know in the event of an emergency).
Once you’ve shut the water supply off, assess the situation. Are you dealing with a frozen pipe and can’t get water out of one or more of your faucets? If so, do some sleuthing and try to find the areas of the pipe that contain frozen water.
Feel along any exposed pipes you can find until you feel spots that are unusually cold. Then, grab a hair dryer and try to warm them up. You might get lucky and fix the problem that easily. If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to call a plumber just to make sure you don’t inadvertently cause additional problems or allow the existing issue to get worse.
If you’re dealing with a leak, call a 24/7 plumbing service as soon as you shut the water supply off. You won’t be able to turn your water main back on until you have the damaged pipe repaired.
Check out our top tips for handling a plumbing emergency to learn more.
Got Winter Plumbing Problems? Contact Steve’s Plumbing and Heating
Winter is the worst time of year to suffer from plumbing problems; unfortunately, it’s also the most common time for them to appear. At Steve’s Plumbing and Heating, we know plumbing problems, and we also know that when you have an issue, prompt, professional, and knowledgeable service is key.
Our team has over 85 years of combined experience serving homeowners throughout central Wisconsin, and we’re here when you need us, too. Day or night, our 24/7 team is here to provide high-quality, prompt, professional plumbing repair when you need it most.
To learn more or to schedule your repair call us at 715-421-1800 or contact us with any questions or concerns, and we’ll be in touch.