When you own a home in central Wisconsin, you know there’s always a chance your pipes might freeze at some point during the winter season. But frozen pipes aren’t the only potential plumbing issue you might encounter when temperatures dip below freezing and stay there. Read on to learn about three of the most common wintertime plumbing problems and what you should do to successfully handle each one.
Water Heater Issues
When outdoor temperatures drop, water heaters tend to experience heavier loads than they do during warmer seasons of the year. If you notice your hot water isn’t quite as plentiful as normal or it seems to take forever to heat up, it’s time to investigate. What should you look for? Check out 5 Signs Your Water Heater Is on the Verge of Failing to see if your water heater exhibits any classic signs of malfunction.
If you can see any moisture around the bottom of your water heater tank, you’ll want to follow the tips in our blog, What To Do If My Water Is Leaking?
Generally speaking, it’s always in your best interest to contact a plumber for water heater issues. It’s possible for deteriorating water heaters to explode, which can cause serious injury, so if you’re not sure how to handle the issue your unit is having, call the pros in just to be safe.
Backed-Up Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump in the lowest level of your home (you should get one if you don’t), there’s always a chance it could get overwhelmed when snow and ice begin to melt. As water seeps into the ground around your house, your sump pit should collect it and the pump should funnel it away from the structure.
Unfortunately, these pumps can sometimes experience clogs or even frozen pump lines during winter. If one of these issues occurs, it can allow an excessive amount of water to collect inside the pit, and that water will eventually overflow into your basement or crawlspace.
If you run into this issue, turn off the power supply to the pump immediately. Flip the breaker if you can’t find the unit’s power switch. Next, here’s what you’ll want to do:
● Inspect the pump lines for clogs or ice. Remove any debris or ice you can get to, and apply heat near the drain openings to allow any residual ice blockages to melt.
● Empty the excess water in the pit using a bucket, a submersible pump, or a wet-dry vacuum.
● Disconnect drain lines from the pump and pour hot water through them to ensure the clog melts completely. Continue doing this until water flows freely through the line.
● Reconnect the drain line and turn the pump’s power supply back on.
If you’re not comfortable working with your sump pump, call a plumber for assistance. You’ll want to get this issue handled as soon as you know about it, because when temperatures creep upward and things start to melt, you’ll need a fully functional sump pump to protect your home from flooding.
Outdoor and Indoor Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop, be sure to keep an eye out for signs that indicate your pipes may be on the verge of freezing. If you’re not sure how to recognize those signs, check out our blog on how to identify frozen plumbing.
If you suspect any of your pipes might be frozen, you’ll want to turn off the valve that controls water flow through that pipe. If you’re unsure which pipe is frozen, turn off the water main instead to prevent additional water from entering the pipe and creating excessive pressure that could cause it to burst.
From there, you’ll want to call a plumber who can locate the affected pipe and take measures to thaw it out. To prevent this issue in the future, consider wrapping exposed pipes in insulation or using heating cables to keep them warm. Disconnect all outdoor hoses and keep spigots off throughout the winter season.
Get Prompt Plumbing Repairs From Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
When you need prompt, reliable, and fairly priced plumbing service in central Wisconsin, you can trust our team Steve’s Plumbing & Heating to deliver exactly that. All of our plumbers are fully licensed and insured, we offer satisfaction guarantees on our work, and we serve Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wausau, and the surrounding areas.
To schedule service, feel free to give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or request a free estimate, and we’ll be in touch with additional information.