During the winter months, the ground can get very cold and even freeze. Most of your plumbing system is buried in the ground under your home and in your yard, which means that your plumbing system is vulnerable to the cold temperatures.
For instance, during the winter months tree roots are far more active than other times of the year. This is because tree roots have to forage much farther and with more dedication during the winter months because of the lack of moisture in the ground.
If tree roots make it to your sewer line, they will likely begin to grow into your pipes, and cause serious clogs. Also, the winter months bring extra weight on the ground due to the frost and even snow. This means that your septic system could be at risk if the weight sits right on top of where the tank is buried for too long.
And, of course we all know how damaging the cold weather can be on drain field pipes, and the other pipes that make up your plumbing system. Make sure to check these few tips off of your maintenance check list to make sure that your plumbing system survived the winter:
- If you wrapped an insulated blanket around your water heater, you can remove that now. This is the time of year when you should consider having your water heater tank flushed if you haven’t done so already. This is something that should be done periodically to remove sediment and keep your water heater running efficiently. Make sure your water heater temperature is set to 120 degrees and no higher.
- Take the lid off of your toilet and make sure all of the components inside of the tank look good and are undamaged. While your toilet will last a lifetime, the components inside will break down over time and should be checked regularly. Never put bleach discs in the tank of your toilet as they cause the rubber seal to break down faster.
- Take your shower heads off and soak them in vinegar water to break down the deposit build up. If any of your shower heads or bathtub fixtures are leaking, make sure to have this addressed right away by a professional.
Not only can your plumbing pipes freeze and crack, but there are other damaging situations that can occur for your plumbing system during the cold winter temperatures. Keep your home protected from plumbing disaster by checking off these maintenance tips.