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How You Can Prepare for Emergency Plumbing Situations This Winter

It’s always good to be optimistic, but as a homeowner, you should be mindful that plumbing emergencies can and do happen – especially during the colder seasons. The following plumbing emergencies can happen at any time; however, some are more likely to arise during the winter. 

Clogged Sinks

Generally speaking, you do more cooking in the winter. Preparing food for guests coming over or making something to take to a dinner party results in more dishes piling up. With more food and grease to go down your drain, potential clogs in your sink may occur. 

The best way to prevent this from happening is to be more mindful when washing the dishes. Take some extra time to throw any remnants in the garbage and wipe away any grease with a cloth or paper towel.

Lack of Hot Water

A lack of hot water is always inconvenient – but especially so when the temperature drops! Luckily, there are some simple preventative measures you can take to avoid this chilly situation.

To avoid using too much hot water, try to use less water in general. Take shorter showers, wash your clothes using cold water, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, and use your dishwasher more often than handwashing. 

Additionally, ask yourself if it’s time for a new or updated water heater this year. Water heaters that are too small or too old could result in a lack of hot water.

Pipes Bursting

Burst pipes are often a result of pipes getting so cold that the water inside them freezes. As a result, an expansion is caused, which bursts the pipe open. Other common reasons include damage from poor plumbing design or misuse, incorrect pressure rating for the pipes, or incorrect routing of flow.

To prevent bursting pipes due to the cold, confirm that all exposed pipes in your house are correctly insulated. If you find a pipe that does need some additional insulation, one preventative measure is to use insulation foam.

It would help if you also located your main water valve. If any water-related emergency occurs, the damage can be reduced by turning this valve off.

Prevention

While some of these plumbing emergencies are a more straightforward fix than others, the ultimate fix for any of them is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Complete regular inspections of your home’s plumbing systems and attend to any plumbing problem promptly. When you travel for an extended period away from your home, be sure to have a trusted neighbour or family member come by to check your home. Better yet, turn the main water valve off before leaving.

How McKenna Plumbing Can Help 

McKenna Plumbing can help you resolve any of the emergency plumbing situations highlighted above – and many others.

For emergency plumbing repairs in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, and Etobicoke, Ontario, call our friendly team at 1-905-510-4965.