Your plumbing must keep working, no matter the season. When Savannah’s winter weather swings take hold, make sure your plumbing system is ready for the ride. Take a look at some of common winter plumbing issues and how to avoid them:
Prevent Frozen Pipes
While Savanah’s average winter temperature doesn’t usually stay below freezing, temporary dips can catch homeowners off guard.
- If you head out of town this winter, don’t let your thermostat dip below 55 degrees.
- Keep the water moving. Water standing inside pipes can be subject to freezing. Allow a slight drip from a faucet farthest from your main water valve to keep that water active.
- Identify pipes directly exposed to the outdoors and insulate them against the elements.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas like the garage of the unfinished basement area.
- Keep your garage doors closed. That helps with another barrier to the outside weather temperatures.
- Prepare outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems for freezing temperatures by shutting off the water supply and bleeding the lines or allowing a slight drip to ensure water is moving within the lines.
- Consider adding insulation if you have an attic or crawl space.
Wet Weather & Your Pipes
It’s not just winter temperatures that can cause plumbing problems for Savannah residents. Ice and rain can also put added pressure on your plumbing system.
Check your sump pump. Anything that adds to the water table makes your sump pump work harder. That includes melting snow, melting ice, or rainfall.
- Ensure the water flowing from your sump pump is at least 10 feet from your foundation.
- Consider installing a battery-powered backup.
- Ensure nothing is blocking your sump pump pit’s function, such as dirt, debris, or ice.
Hot Water Demands
Chillier temperatures put a higher demand on hot water in your home and can exacerbate leaks or other issues with your water heater.
If your water heater has issues keeping up with demand, it may require a professional plumber to diagnose and repair it.
- Sediment buildup in your water heater extracts heat from the water, forcing the unit to work harder.
- Malfunctioning parts in the unit can reduce the water heater’s efficiency, so delivering the hot water you need will take longer.
Call Canady’s for Expert Plumbing Services
At Canady’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, we’ve provided quality work to Savannah homes and businesses for over 30 years.
If weather swings cause problems for your plumbing system this winter, our team offers emergency repairs, reliable maintenance, or professional installation.
Schedule plumbing services in Savannah or Beaufort by calling Canady’s at (912) 597-2458 now.