Common Winter Plumbing Problems: Find and Fix Them

Winter weather can make homes vulnerable to plumbing problems. Some of the most common winter issues can be solved by proactive maintenance or following our troubleshooting procedures.

During frigid temperatures, some plumbing issues occur more often. The following are typical winter plumbing issues and how to solve them.

1. Frozen outdoor pipes

If an outdoor spigot is not winterized correctly, it can freeze the water lines. Because these lines don’t flow into the home, they often go unnoticed, causing water damage from a pipe burst. 

Proactive Maintenance 

• Winterize and prepare outdoor hose bibbs in the fall, shielding them against winter frost. 
• Disconnect hoses and drain water, storing them for the winter to avoid damage. In the home, turn off the water line valve that serves the spigot. 
• Did you know there are specially designed components that help prevent freezing? Frost-free bibs are sold at big box stores, which you can upgrade from outdoor spigots. 
• Add insulation to the water lines, which service the outdoor hose bibbs.

Fix It 

1. Open the hose bibb valve if it is not already open.
2. Search behind the wall to find the hose bibb’s base location.
3. Insulate and cover the base with towels or rags.
4. Add boiling water to saturate the cloth to warm the hose bibb. Watch to see if the water streams from the spigot, indicating the freeze is melting.  
5. Use a hair dryer to apply heat to a hose bibb’s base.

2. Frozen indoor pipes

Indoor pipes often freeze during the winter, and lines in uninsulated areas and near an exterior wall are particularly at risk. Frozen pipes can make a pipe rupture or crack. If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, it’s a good sign the pipe has frozen. 

Proactive Maintenance

• During bitterly cold times when you expect the pipes to freeze, keep faucets on at a small drip to alleviate pressure and keep water flowing.
• Leave cabinets under sinks open during the cold to allow the interior heat to circulate.  
• Install pipe insulation, especially along exterior walls. 

Fix it

1. Check all home faucets. If all faucets are frozen, the freeze is in the home’s main water supply line. If only one tap is frozen, the freeze is along the water line that services the area. 
2. Keep all or any faucets open and try to unfreeze the water line.
3. Apply direct heat to the area that has frozen. Hairdryers and space heaters can thaw the faucet to determine water flow. 
4. Turn off the tap once the pipe thaws.
5. Important: Shut off water at the home’s main water valve, avoiding flooding and water destruction if the pipes have ruptured.  

3. Water heater troubles

We often have guests and visitors during winter holidays, and water heaters can experience heavier loads. If your water heater struggles to keep up or stops producing hot water, you might be due for repairs or replacements.

Be proactive

• Regular maintenance is essential for your water heater. Drain the water tank annually and test the pressure relief valve.
• Protect the water supply inlet and hot water outlet pipes with insulation. It will prevent freezing and retaining heat as hot water travels through the pipes to the faucet. 
• Consider a water heater blanket to insulate against energy loss in water heater models.

Fix it

1. If your water heater continues struggling with hot water, try turning up the unit’s thermostat. To prevent scalds and preserve energy, never go about 125 degrees.
2. If your water heater isn’t working, check the electrical power or gas supply, depending on your water heater type. 
3. Check the water heater thermostat’s limit. When the water temperature is too hot, it may trip and need resetting. 

If a pipe bursts or your water heater is struggling, call Gene Wagner Plumbing. We are proud of being one of the best plumbers in Milwaukee. Check our profile on Expertise. For more information, contact us or call us at 414-541-9217.