While places like Montgomery and Auburn rarely see snow in the forecast, the winter season has many effects on your day to day life. Getting your home ready for winter is more than just setting up your holiday decorations and turning up the heat. You also need to prepare your home against any unexpected problems that result in untimely repairs or emergency service.
5 Ways That Winter Affects Your Plumbing System
The winter weather is considered moderate in Alabama, with little chance of significant snowstorms or below-freezing cold fronts. However, colder temperatures can present unique challenges to your home, especially to your plumbing system.
At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, we want you to feel safe and comfortable in your home for the winter months. We’ve been servicing Alabama for many years, and we’re here to help you take the best care of your home.
1. Water Heater
A water heater is working its hardest during winter to provide warm water for your family’s needs. Traditional water heaters store water in a tank, and warming up water takes more energy in the wintertime. When the water must be set at a specific temperature, sometimes the water heater can continually work, become overstressed, and shut down. No one wants a cold shower when it’s 30 degrees outside! Never fear: the best way to check your water heater’s status is by doing so proactively, with a routine maintenance tune-up.
2. Sewage System
Because people spend more time at home during the winter months, your plumbing system gets a lot more use. Additionally, in the rare case that we get snow here in the South, your plumbing system could be affected. When cold weather arrives, something that is stuck in your pipes can harden and solidify, or merge with frozen water, leaving you with a clogged sink or shower.
If you have a septic tank on your property, it’s a good idea to take time before the temperatures get too cold to get a professional to inspect your sewage system. Sometimes, homeowners decide to pump their septic tank before winter hits to ensure a problem-free season.
3. Plumbing Pipes
In the winter, unprotected pipes can freeze in cold temperatures. If water expands in the line, it can cause the pipe to burst, resulting in an unfortunate and costly repair. Additionally, pipes under the ground can be affected by an increase in moisture in the earth from rain, sleet, or snow. When the temperatures begin to shift, call a Dixie service professional to help you decide what precautions you can take to protect your plumbing system from freezing pipes.
4. Kitchen and Bathroom Drains
While this year may not be the year of big holiday parties, the winter holiday season still centers around big family meals. Even outside of the holiday season, it’s common for families to stay home, cook more, and spend more time indoors during the pandemic. With more cooking and more people in your home, every drain in your house – from your showers and garbage disposal to the bathroom and kitchen sinks – gets more attention and use. If you notice the water in your drains exiting at a slower rate, it may be time to get your local, trusted plumbing service professional to address the drain clog.
5. Water Line
In the winter, your home’s water line is more likely to leak due to a split or break. If a leak is small, your plumbing system may not see a notable change – that is, until you receive your water bill. A frozen pipe is the most common reason for a water line break, so examining and insulating your pipes should prevent more significant damage to your water line.
Winter is Coming: Dixie is Here to Help
Don’t wait until you have a plumbing emergency before you call a service professional. At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, we offer comprehensive tune-ups and thorough inspections for your plumbing system, where we can address any potential problem areas before a disaster occurs.
We have over 100 years of experience and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 334.328.3570 or click here.
