The winter months are hard on plumbing systems and heaters, particularly for homes in the Aitkin, Minnesota, area. This can lead to emergency situations that require the help of a professional. Trying to take care of these on your own or waiting too long to call someone can lead to significant damage to the system.
Frozen Pipes
One of the most common problems during the winter is frozen pipes. The water on the inside of the pipes expands as it freezes. As the freezing water expands, the pipes can crack, which can lead to severe leaks and water damage. Frozen pipes are most common in unheated spaces, such as attics, basements, and garages. The affected areas won’t have good water pressure if the freeze is in an incoming pipe. If a drainpipe is frozen, water won’t be able to drain through it.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes during the winter months have two main causes. The first is when the water freezes in the pipes and causes immediate problems. The second is when the pipes are weak because of previous freeze-thaw cycles and a weak area bursts. When a pipe bursts, significant water damage can occur in your walls or floors. Damage may also occur to personal items that are in the water-logged area.
Clogged Drains
Holiday cooking, an increase in visitors, and more time in your home during the winter can lead to more strain on the plumbing. Even small clogs or partial blockages in the drains can lead to overflows and slow draining. If anyone pours something like grease down your drain, it may solidify and block the drain, especially in the areas where the pipes are cold because of exposure to the weather.
Water Heater Failure
Turning on the tap and not having access to hot water can make life miserable for everyone in your home. Some common causes of water heater failure include problems with the pilot light or a tripped breaker. While regular maintenance may prevent issues from occurring, the increase in energy it takes to warm water in colder temperatures can cause the unit to fail.
Boiler Breakdown
Some homes use boilers for heat during the winter because they’re a cost-effective option. Thermostat issues, problems with low pressure, and mechanical breakdowns can cause boilers to stop working properly. If you do have a boiler, you’ll be without any heat in the frigid winter temperatures if it breaks down.
Leaking Water Heater
A leaking water heater is an emergency because it can lead to flooding and extensive water damage. Tank corrosion, damage to the valve, and excessive pressure are the most common causes of a leaking water heater. Preventing this is sometimes possible through regular maintenance and keeping the pressure relief mechanism in working order.
Sump Pump Failure
A home with a basement may have a sump pump to pull excess water away. Cold weather and power outages can cause the sump pump to fail, which can leave your home vulnerable to water damage. Keeping the sump pump free of ice and debris and hooking it up to a backup power source can help to keep it fully operational.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure stems from several causes, including pipe blockages or leaks. When temperatures dip below freezing, water in your pipes may freeze. If the frozen water doesn’t block the whole pipe, the water pressure may be lower than usual because the water can’t flow freely through the pipes.
Frozen Outdoor Hose Bibs
Outdoor bibs, which are the spigots on the outside of the house, can burst if you don’t drain them before the temperatures freeze. Hoses can’t remain attached during winter, and you should turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucets before the winter. If the bibs freeze, indoor water damage may occur once the temperatures rise and the ice melts.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your heater turning on and off to maintain a consistent temperature depends on your thermostat functioning properly. Many issues can lead to the thermostat not working. Dead batteries, faulty wiring, or incorrect settings are some of the most common. In some cases, replacing the thermostat is necessary to correct the problem so you aren’t left shivering in your home this winter.
Burst Radiator
Not all homeowners have radiators to heat their homes, but those who do must ensure they inspect and bleed them before winter. Inspecting the radiators before winter is a chance to find any weak or cracked spots that will cause the system to malfunction once winter temperatures put strain on the radiators. Bleeding them removes the trapped air, which enables the radiator to function optimally.
Gas Furnace Ignition Issues
Normal wear on igniters, dirty burners, and mechanical malfunctions can cause problems with gas furnace ignition. If the ignition doesn’t ignite, the heater won’t produce heat. It’s sometimes possible to find these issues before they cause a lack of heat, so having a professional inspection done before the cold winter months is critical.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Natural gas furnaces and other appliances can produce carbon monoxide if they’re malfunctioning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause significant risks to your household. If your home has natural gas service, then make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors that can alert everyone if the gas is present because prolonged exposure is fatal.
Frozen Septic Tanks
While it’s not as common as some of the other emergencies on the list, it’s possible for septic tanks to freeze. If the tank or any of the associated pipes freeze, wastewater can back up into your home. Proper maintenance and insulating the pipes can help prevent this issue from occurring.
Faulty Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can fail when the temperatures dip too low, which can make the temperatures in the home uncomfortable. If the heat pump can’t keep up with the temperature demands, you may have to consider using a supplemental heat source to keep your home’s interior at a safe temperature. Remember, it’s not safe to use ovens or space heaters for prolonged periods or when constant monitoring isn’t possible, so it may be best to contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating to explore safe supplemental heat sources.
Backflow Prevention Failure
Wastewater backing up into the home through the basement, kitchen sink, or bathroom drains is a major sanitation issue. The backflow prevention system should prevent this from occurring, but that won’t happen if it’s malfunctioning. If the water pressure changes or the backflow prevention valve fails, your home may flood with raw sewage water.
Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating to Handle These Emergencies
Our team of professionals at Northern Air Plumbing & Heating is ready to handle all these winter emergencies and more. We offer a full line of plumbing services, including leak detection, sump pump projects, plumbing repairs, and drain cleaning. We also install, repair, maintain, and replace water heaters, water softeners, air conditioners, heaters, and air purifiers. Contact us today to schedule the services you need for your home.
Tags: Heating Repair, Plumbing Tips