When it comes to the turning of the seasons, even the state of Florida can sometimes see freezing–or near-freezing–temperatures. This change in the weather can bring catastrophe for your home plumbing if you aren’t careful–so don’t assume Florida’s location near the equator will negate any needs your pipes might have this winter. In fact, experiencing snow in Florida is not unheard of, and temperatures have even reached as low as -2 Degrees Fahrenheit in Tallahassee (via NOAA)! Fortunately for the reader, we’ve put together some winter plumbing tips to mitigate any potential damage that may be in store as the weather cools and temperatures dip. Let’s go over some common winter plumbing problems in Florida as well as some of the leading tips for avoiding a plumbing disaster this winter!
Common Winter Plumbing Problems in Florida
Winter plumbing problems can happen to anyone–even an unsuspecting Floridian. However, with the right preparation and a trustworthy plumber on your side, like the team at Certified Plumbing of Brevard, you’re less likely to end up with an expensive mess and more likely to beat the weather. Let’s assess some of the most common Florida winter plumbing disasters and their respective solutions.
Leaks
If you have a leak or two in your home that’s been quietly wreaking havoc on your mental well-being, it’s time to tackle the problem and hire an expert plumber before the problem escalates. Save yourself the constant nagging of a dripping faucet and the expensive water bill to boot, and have a professional take care of the problem for you swiftly. Certified Plumbing is your go-to neighborhood plumber capable of tackling leaks quickly and resolving the problem correctly and on the first try.
Burst Pipes
You know what happens when you assume…thinking you can leave your Florida home unprotected during the winter months can have devastating consequences. Be sure to leave your home at a reasonable temperature when you’re out–and if you’re really concerned, open your cabinets to ensure warm air can circulate near your internal plumbing.
Frozen Outdoor Faucets, Spigots, and Hoses
Did you know that water can actually freeze in certain conditions at temperatures higher than freezing (via LiveScience)? Don’t be caught unawares with frozen outdoor spigots! The water remaining in hoses and spigots can freeze quite easily since it is exposed to the elements more openly than your internal plumbing. Be sure to disconnect and empty splitters, faucets, and hoses of their water if you suspect there may be temperatures dipping near the freezing point. In terms of preventing freezing faucets, be sure to wrap any exposed spigots with insulation foam or towels–or even allow them to run slightly to encourage the water to continue flowing rather than stagnating, freezing, and causing burst pipes.
Crawl Space Damage
Many modern Florida homes are equipped with sump pumps to help mitigate flooding during heavy rains or tropical storms. However, these sump pumps can easily freeze if left unprotected, causing crawl space damage and even flooding in poor circumstances.
Malfunctioning or Unmaintained Water Heater
While warm showers are welcome year-round, it’s hard to beat the feeling of warming up in a hot shower after a cold winter outing. Keeping your hot water heater running efficiently and effectively during colder months is particularly essential. Fortunately, you can have your hot water heater flushed of sediment buildup, serviced, or replaced by an experienced plumber like those at Certified Plumbing of Brevard. We can tackle any plumbing issues related to your water heater, such as misfiring thermometers, broken cartridges, and more. Keep your water good and hot with Certified Plumbing!
10 Tips to Keep Your Plumbing in an Optimal State–No Matter the Weather
Now that you know some common winter plumbing problems to look for (yes, even in Florida), you are better equipped to face the winter season–whether you are planning on traveling to visit friends or family or are hosting a gathering at your place. The last thing you want to think about during this welcome reprieve from work, school, and responsibilities is an emergency plumbing problem–especially if you happen to be thousands of miles away from home. Here are some tips to keep your plumbing flowing right–even on the chilliest nights Florida can muster:
1. Drain and Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Having your hot water heater serviced is key to its longevity–but it is also a crucial aspect of hosting. Hot water is a necessity for basic hygiene–whether you’re hoping to run a load of laundry, clean dirty dishes, or take a shower. Especially if you are hosting friends or family, you’ll want to be able to offer them clean dishes to eat from, fresh sheets, and a hot shower or bath to start their day. Do yourself a favor and count on the team at Certified Plumbing to tackle any hot water heater troubleshooting for you so you can relax and focus on holiday planning rather than the basic necessities.
2. Insulate Your Plumbing
Wrapping your pipes in insulation is one surefire way to immediately eliminate the worry of a burst pipe–especially in conjunction with efforts to open cabinets and leave faucets dripping. Insulating your pipes can be a cost-effective way of protecting the significant investment of your home–and is well worth the initial down payment of time and money for most homeowners.
3. Open Cabinets
Not sure you want to spend a bunch of money keeping your house a buzzing 75 Degrees while you’re out visiting family? You’re not alone. Opening your cabinets in your absence can help you keep your utility costs down while protecting your internal plumbing by exposing pipes to the warmer air more readily.
4. Fix Leaks
Winter is the time to fix leaks, as any temperature extremes can cause plumbing to expand and contract, worsening existing issues and creating more expensive repairs and utility bills.
5. Leave a Faucet Dripping
By leaving a small stream of water running through your pipes, you can ensure they do not freeze over completely, causing burst pipes and flooding. Both of these mishaps are costly and labor-intensive to fix and can cause untold damage do your property and belongings–so skip the mess entirely and consult with a professional plumber if you’re expecting cold weather in your neighborhood!
6. Seal Crawl Space
Even if you’ve winterized the sump pump, it can be crucial to seal your crawl space under your home to avoid any seasonal flooding that may occur with heavy rain or even snow. And yes, it has been known to snow in Florida from time to time–though this hasn’t happened since 1977 (via NOAA). Preparing your property for any weather event makes you a more prepared and knowledgeable homeowner and saves you countless money on repairs and utilities. If you’re not sure how to go about properly sealing your crawl space for winter, the professional team at Certified Plumbing is here to answer your questions!
7. Disconnect Outdoor Pipes
Outdoor pipes are exposed to all of the weather events–come rain, snow, sleet, or hail. While they are often engineered for durability in mind, they are not infallible. Give your outdoor spigots and pipes a chance by treating them properly for the incoming colder weather. Disconnect any gadgets or hoses from your outdoor spigots and drain them completely so they do not hold water or ice and cause damage to your plumbing.
8. Locate Your Primary Water Valve
If you know where your home’s primary water valve is, you can always shut off the water at its source to prevent it from entering your pipes at all. Alternatively, if you do encounter a problem, such as a burst pipe, you’ll need to know how and where to shut the water off. This can be done by locating the main water line for your home and pulling the handle perpendicular to the pipe.
9. Use Your Garbage Disposal Properly
With the onset of winter comes eating more indulgent foods–and with heavier, greasier foods comes trickier after-meal cleanup. For example, did you know that you should never pour fats of any kind down the drain? This includes the more common example of bacon grease but includes all animal fats as well, and even solid fats like coconut oil. (For more tips on how to properly care for and use your garbage disposal, check out our recent article on the topic!)
10. Invest in a Quality Plumber
Investing in a quality plumber is essential for keeping your plumbing in good working order, especially in winter. Expertise, proper maintenance and repairs, cost savings, 24/7 emergency services, and guaranteed results are some of the benefits of hiring a licensed and certified plumber like Certified Plumbing of Brevard County. Don’t wait until a plumbing disaster strikes before contacting a professional plumber–schedule regular maintenance inspections and repairs to avoid costly damages to your property.
