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Cold Chicago Weather Could Mean Plumbing Issues
It’s Here!
The arrival of the winter season and cold weather = potential plumbing problems in our homes and apartments. Whether you rent or own, you can have Frigid morning showers, frozen or cracked pipes, broken radiators, flooding, and leaks are just a few of the many unwanted plumbing issues brought on by winter weather.
Fortunately there are things that you can do to prevent or minimize the likelihood of these winter plumbing mishaps.
Preventing Clogged Drains: Once a week, treat your sink and bathtub drains to this quick, safe and environmentally-friendly cleaning process. Make up a mixture of 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup cream of tartar. Pour equal amounts into your various drains and follow it with 2 cups of boiling water for each drain. Or buy something like Bio Clean. It’s a blend of bacteria and enzymes.Within an hour after pouring the bacteria into the drain, the bacteria
begin to eat their way into the waste that has accumulated on the sides
and top of the drain pipe. Cool!
begin to eat their way into the waste that has accumulated on the sides
and top of the drain pipe. Cool!
Pipe Insulation: This is more for home owners of condo owners in small buildings. Use foam padding sleeves or special insulating tape to guard your pipes (both hot water and cold water) against freezing. Any exposed pipe or plumbing fixtures should be kept warm with space heaters (lamps) from a safe distance. Every few days, check out pipes in basements or little used areas of the house to make sure no ice or frost is accumulating or cracks developing.
Running Water: Be sure to run water from every valve in your house at regular intervals throughout the winter. This will prevent freezing.
Be Careful with Holiday Cooking: Cooking grease and oils put a real strain on drains, pipes and garbage disposals. Grease and oil are more likely to collect and clog when your plumbing is colder, so do your best NOT pour down the drain. Also, refrain from putting hard to grind objects or stringy substances down into the disposal. Always run cold water through the disposal for at least 15 seconds before and after each use. Be sure to turn the disposal on before filling it with food debris.
Spread Showers Throughout the Day: At least 10 minute intervals between showers is optimal to maintain hot water and proper pressure. You may also want to turn up the water heater during the cold season as well; to prevent burns, do not put it above 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
If Your Indoor Faucets Freeze:
Leave the cabinet doors under the faucets open so that they can get more heat.
If it gets intensely cold, run a little bit of water from each valve in the house each day. Let the water trickle very slowly into the sink.
Heat every room of your home, not just a few rooms. Allow warm air to circulate freely throughout your house.
Brought to you by the plumbing experts GOODE PLUMBING.
1-800-662-1875
