Do you ever wonder why plumbers are busier during the wintertime? This is because winter weather can lead to more frequent drain clogs for a couple of reasons. Here are some of the factors and solutions:
- Grease Solidification
In colder temperatures, fats and oils poured down the drain can solidify more quickly, leading to blockages. One easy solution is to run hot water and soap once every week for a minute or two, so it helps to break down the grease residues. In addition, try to dispose grease in a separate container, and throw it in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain.
- Increased indoor activities
During winter, people tend to spend more time indoors, leading to a higher volume of cooking, cleaning, and hygiene activities. The increased usage can lead to more debris entering the drains. The solution to this would be mindful of what goes down the drain and avoid pouring large amounts of food particles and grease. Collect extra grease from the cooking pans into a jar instead of pouring it down the drain.
- Winter Storms
Heavy rainfall and fallen leaves can overwhelm the drainage system. Regularly clear leaves and debris from the drains to prevent blockages during winter storms.
- Tree Roots
Tree roots tend to seek warmth and moisture, therefore they may penetrate the drain pipes which will lead to blockage. One way to avoid this is to install root barriers to prevent roots from encroaching on pipes.
- Colder Areas
In homes situated at higher elevations, temperatures drop more significantly, posing a higher risk of solidification occurring sooner and more frequently. If your pipes are located in the crawlspace, we strongly recommend insulating them
Author: Susanna Leung
Susanna Leung’s goal as a real estate professional with Haylen Group is to help her first-time home buying clients find that perfect home where their families can grow, thrive, and live their dreams in the United States. She applies her experience in remodeling, resource networking, negotiations, and advanced marketing to provide her clients with dedicated, full coverage service.
