How to maintain your plumbing in winter?

In winter, the plumbing is particularly fragile since it is exposed to frost and clogs. Indeed, it is important to maintain it regularly by adopting the right gestures or by contacting a professional plumber.

Check the condition of the installations in the winter

Drains and pipes in poor condition can cause significant damage in winter. Moisture due to leaks or rust sometimes leads to the formation of frost which risks blocking the entire water conduit. To avoid inconvenience, you should check all the installations yourself or with the help of a plumber.

Leaks and rusts

Most plumbing failures and damage are the results of negligence. Prevention is the best solution to avoid problems and expenses for repair. Indeed, it is necessary to systematically inspect the pipes as well as the sanitary materials of the house. Leakage and moisture can affect their proper functioning when the temperature begins to drop. The first place to see is then the part under the sink, then the underside of the sink, the water heater, and the toilet tank. The traces of water on the walls as well as on the floor also indicate that the pipes are in poor condition. This check helps detect and prevent problems that may arise. In the event of a malfunction, it must be repaired immediately.

The washing machine and the dishwasher

It is important to pay particular attention to these two pieces of equipment since their condition deteriorates over the years. The washing machine and the dishwasher have rubber hoses that dry out and eventually burst in very cold weather. Indeed, as soon as they begin to weaken, it is important to replace them. When buying these casings, it is better to favor the most resistant materials to avoid unpleasant surprises. When in doubt, a professional plumber can help choose the most suitable ones.

How do avoid frozen pipes?

Water freezes when the temperature drops below 0°C. Indeed, even if the equipment is well maintained, poor protection of the pipes can have harmful consequences on the plumbing. To prevent freezing, the following measures should be taken:

Keeping the house warm

During the winter, it is necessary to ensure that the interior of the house is sheltered from the cold. The hot air heats the pipes and allows the water to circulate properly. In addition to this, it is important to open the doors that are close to the exterior walls at least every week. It is the same for the cupboard which is under the sink. For information, the average temperature of the house must always exceed 15°C.

Insulate pipes

Even if the house is warm, the plumbing can still deteriorate since the pipes outside can freeze. Therefore, it is important to isolate them. To do this, you must first measure the diameter of the pipes. Then you have to find foam insulation that is larger in diameter than the pipes. The last step is to wrap the pipes with these tubes. Be careful, newspapers and rock wool may aggravate the problem since they retain moisture. In case of difficulty, the plumber can help with the installation of these insulators.

Keep drains clean

Whatever the season, the pipes must always be kept clean. In winter, their poor maintenance can cause the same inconvenience as in summer. The bad smell caused by a cork can always spread through the house. Therefore, it is important to take the following preventative measures or contact a plumber in Philadelphia.

Clean drains regularly

There are simple methods that help clear drains of clogged waste. There are, for example:

• Detergent cleaning
• A mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

Concretely, you have to pour the household cleaner into the drain and wait about twenty minutes before running boiling water. This helps to dissolve soap detritus and limescale deposits in the pipes. Baking soda and salt give the same result if mixed together. Many other ecological products are also commercially available, but these are the most accessible since they are in the kitchen. However, the best solution is to contact a plumber in Philadelphia who has the necessary tools for cleaning.

Avoid traffic jams

Cleaning the water pipes is one thing, but the most important thing is to prevent clogs from forming. In fact, when preparing meals or when washing the dishes, care must be taken so that leftover food does not fall into the sink. For the bath, it is necessary to make sure that the strands of hair as well as the bits of soap do not block the siphon. In other words, the drains should always be kept clean.

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