WINTER PLUMBING TIPS

WINTER PLUMBING TIPS

It seems Plumbing problems often occur at the most inconvenient times. Seasonal shifts in temperatures and having holiday company often puts the most stress on your pipes. Big holiday meals can cause kitchen pipes to clog from gradual grease buildup or food particles. Hair and soap particles can clog up drains in the bathrooms. Here are a few winter plumbing tips you can follow to help prevent these potential issues and create functional Plumbing in your home during the holidays.

Plumbing:

• Run cold water down your kitchen sink into the Garage Disposal for at least 15 seconds before disposing and another 15 after to flush the waste entirely.
• Avoid disposing any large pieces of food or solid materials (especially chicken or turkey bones or skin, peels, shells, or fibrous items like celery!)
• Avoid pouring oils or fats down the drain as they can solidify and create major plumbing issues.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine at night to to save hot water for day time use.
• Extra guests means extra toilet use: limit the number of items that are hard on the pipes such as baby wipes, face scrubs, etc.
• Do not put rice down your drains.

Protect your pipes from freezing:

• Disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets.
• Make sure no outdoor faucets leak or drip – they will freeze.
• Inside your home, wrap foam around your water pipes. These foam tubes can be purchased at most hardware stores.
• Be especially sure to insulate pipes in attics, near outside walls, in garages and crawl spaces.
• If you have a 2 story house with Plumbing above the garage, make sure to not leave the garage door open for long periods of time.
• Watch for Sump Pump lines freezing outside the house. If this happens, there is no way for the water to be moved from the sump pit and you will risk flooding.

CALL THE GUYS YOU CAN TRUST

For any and all Plumbing questions, concerns, service or new installations – “Call the Guys You Can Trust,” at Colony Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. We are available 24/7, 365 for emergency service.