Here are some winter-related common plumbing problems to watch out for and easy solutions to fix or prevent them from happening.

Pipes burst

A pipe's location within doesn't mean it's protected from the frigid temperatures outside. Pipes that are close to exterior walls, particularly in unfinished, uninsulated areas, are more susceptible to freeze in winter. As the water cools, it expands. This results in the pipes exploding. This can cause significant destruction to your home.

An easy way to protect yourself is to wrap pipes that are being pressurized with insulation. This is an easy and cheap DIY project that will help you save money and headaches in the near future.

Frozen hose bibb

Each year, we receive many calls regarding broken hoses and the bibbs (also called the water spigot for outdoor use). It is often due to the fact that homeowners fail to remove the water hose from the tap. The water left in the hose is frozen, and it backs up into the hose or bibb and then ruptures the pipe.

To prevent this from happening, be sure to remove the hose from the faucet. Also, close the valve that supplies water to the spigot inside the house. This will ensure there's not any water sitting in the pipe near a cold exterior wall.

Failure of the sump pump

In the event that you own a sump pump in the basement of your home, then you could think it's hibernating until spring. However, the water table on your property might be infiltrating your foundation, and the sump pump should be in a position to drain the water away. It is also impossible to predict what a warm stretch of weather will quickly melt snow and then flood the ground.

It's important to make sure your sump pumps are in good condition all year long. In addition, if water is pumped directly onto your lawn, be sure the pipe isn't obstructed by snow, and the water is dispersed within 10 to 15 feet away from the foundation.

Roof and gutter issues

The accumulation of ice and snow on your gutters and roofing could cause a variety of water-related concerns. When the conditions aren't bad, ensure your gutters are free of obstruction prior to the next snow storm. Also, we recommend investing in a roof rake that can remove large quantities of snow from your roof. This can reduce the possibility of a roof leak and stop ice from accumulating over your drainage.