Plumbing problems can occur at any time of the year, winter especially. There are certain tips you can keep in mind in order to prevents problems from popping up when you least expect it. Wintertime means all those holidays and family get-togethers which can really take a toll on your plumbing system. And should a problem occur when you have a full house it would be a disaster.

All the cooking that takes place during this time can really put a strain on your garbage disposal, especially with all the grease that can be poured down the drain. Therefore, do your best not to pour grease, fats, and cooking oils 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. Also, be careful of which times you use the disposal so that you do not disturb your guests.

In order to keep your bathroom shower working efficiently, and in the best interest of your guests, there are a few things to keep in mind when running your shower. Ask your guests to spread their showers out throughout the day. 10 minutes between showers is optimal. You may want to turn up the water heater during this cold season as well. However, in order to be safe and prevent burns, do not put it above 125 degrees Fahrenheit. In case of weak water pressure, you can dump a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag and affix it over the showerhead. This will break down any grime and mineral deposits that may have formed over time. Keep this over the showerhead overnight and remove it in the morning. You can clean off any remaining deposits with a toothbrush. Never use the toilet as a trash can. This means do not flush q-tips, cotton balls, hair, or sanitary products down the toilet. These do not break down and are responsible for most clogs.

One common plumbing problem that can occur in the winter is frozen pipes. You can help to prevent this by unattaching garden hoses before freezing temperatures set in. Then close the shut-off valve on the pipes which lead to the outdoor faucets. Open the outdoor faucets so that any remaining water can drain. In order to safeguard yourself against indoor frozen pipes, leave cabinet doors open under faucets so that they can receive more heat. You can even let the water trickle a little bit to keep water flowing. This should only be done in extreme circumstances as it can be costly. Make sure water pipes are insulated, and pipes that won’t be used during the winter should be drained. If your pipes still freeze, turn off the main valve, leave the faucets on, and use a blow dryer on frozen pipes. Following these few simple steps are sure to help you avoid winter plumbing problems.

Dade (305) 424-5014 • Broward (954) 949-0507 • Palm Beach (561) 340-2738