Winter weather brings all kinds of problems in Indianapolis and its neighboring communities.

Particular plumbing problems that can occur in this area homes during this time of year lead to even more panic as homeowners attempt to find solutions and protect their homes from harm.

In many cases, the wintertime plumbing issues that plague homeowners are easily averted through maintenance and proactivity or quickly resolved with plumbing troubleshooting tips.

Top Winter Plumbing Problems

There are certain plumbing problems that are more common during winter months. Here are the most frequent winter plumbing issues and their solutions.

1. Outdoor Pipes Freeze

Outdoor spigot lines can freeze if they aren’t properly winterized. These lines are often left unused during winter months and don’t usually lead into the home, and thus can cause extensive water damage from frozen and burst pipes before a leak is noted.

2. Indoor Pipes Frozen

Pipes supplying water in the house can freeze during the winter, particularly those located in uninsulated spaces and on exterior walls. In the most serious cases, frozen pipes can result in cracked or broken pipes, causing significant water leaks. If your pipes do freeze, one indication could be no water flow or a weak trickle from the sinks and showers.

3. Kitchen Drain Clogs

During holiday cooking and festivities the kitchens and kitchen sinks get a workout. As more food waste is disposed of via garbage disposals, kitchen sink drain clogs become more common. If you want to ensure your kitchen sink will remain functional over the winter months, be diligent in avoiding and removing clogs.

4. Water Heater Problems

Water heaters tend to be put through heavier loads in the winter time, when homes are filled with guests throughout the holidays. If your water heater isn’t keeping pace with or providing any hot water, you may need repairs or even a replacement.

5. Damage to Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains can freeze in the winter and become damaged. Plastic surface drains are subject to breakage from expansion and contraction with temperature changes. When the cold weather arrives, don’t cause damage to these drains by not caring for them appropriately.

6. Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps may also be used more in winter months when melting snow and ice is present. They can get backed up if they freeze or clog.

7. Septic tank or lines are frozen

Septic lines and tanks without adequate cover of soil can freeze in freezing weather. If the freeze occurs in the main line between the building drain and the septic tank, the house will be completely frozen. A septic tank can freeze and back up the system when it is full. Leaks may occur, causing the possibility of damage and/or contamination of the water supply.

Avoid Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Don’t wait to take action when these common winter plumbing issues happen. For expert help stopping leaks, fixing drainage issues, or troubleshooting sump pumps, contact Day & Night Plumbing for fast, dependable plumbing repair.

If you ever have a plumbing emergency, we can respond immediately because we’re available 24/7, 365.