As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it’s essential to pay extra attention to your home’s plumbing system to prevent costly and inconvenient issues like frozen pipes and clogged drains. While many homeowners focus on insulating pipes to prevent freezing, drain maintenance is often overlooked. However, neglecting your drains during the winter months can lead to blockages, backups, and potential water damage. Here are some essential tips that will help you avoid these headaches to ensure drain maintenance during winter.
Clear Out Debris
Before the cold weather arrives, take the time to clear any debris from your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drains. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can develop and create blockages, especially when combined with ice and snow. Regularly clearing out this debris will help water flow freely away from your home and lower the risk of drainage issues.
Schedule Professional Inspections
Consider scheduling a professional plumbing inspection before the winter season hits. A licensed plumber can inspect your drains and plumbing system for any existing issues and address them before they worsen. They can also provide valuable advice on how to winterize your plumbing system and prevent future problems.
Keep Outdoor Drains Clear
If you have outdoor drains or sewer vents, make sure they are clear of snow and ice during the winter months. Blocked outdoor drains can lead to water backing up and flooding around your home’s foundation. Use a shovel or snowblower to clear any snow and ice away from outdoor drains to ensure proper drainage.
Monitor Water Flow
Pay attention to the water flow in your sinks, showers, and toilets during the winter months. If you’re noticing slow draining or gurgling sounds, it could indicate a drainage problem that needs to be addressed. Acting quickly to resolve these issues can prevent more significant problems down the line.
Know When to Call a Professional
While some drain maintenance tasks can be done DIY, there are times when it’s best to call a professional plumber. If you encounter stubborn clogs, foul odors, or recurring drainage issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A plumber has the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve complex drain problems effectively.
For Drain Services, Call Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!