Common Cold Weather Plumbing Problems

Old Man Winter has officially settled in the area. Your body is not the only thing that feels the sting of brutal winter temperatures, your plumbing takes a hit, too. Things get really busy for emergency plumbing companies this time of year. Here is a list of the most common plumbing issues; take proper precautions to ensure you’re not left without water or experience water damage/flooding this year. 

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are horrible; they cut off water flow and prevent you from using your appliances, sinks, or bathrooms. Any pipe that is not underground or can feel temperature fluctuations should be wrapped with insulation. If the situation happens repetitively, it needs to have heat tape on it. Frozen pipes are no picnic, and can take days to thaw. 

Broken Pipes

When pipes are frozen for consecutive days, the ice can expand and burst the pipe. This happens a frequently with PVC pipes. Broken pipes are costly to fix because they cause so much damage. If the pipe is in an area that is not easily accessible, it drywall may need to be removed and replaced — and damage from dirty water escaping into nearby areas can be expensive. 

Frozen Drains

One problem many people don’t anticipate is frozen drain lines. You may try to run water and the drain appears clogged. It is clogged — but with ice. Your pipes can be running well, but the drain lines may prevent water from going down. This is a frustrating problem, but it can be fixed. 

Hot Water Heater Failure

If you have a gas water heater, its problems can range from water that is not hot enough to a blown pilot light. The heater must keep the water at a specific temperature to make laundry and showers possible. However, constant sub-zero temperatures may challenge the heater’s ability to keep things stable. 

Non-Winterized Plumbing

Many people don’t know that you must winterize plumbing that won’t be used during the off-season. For instance, if you have an outside faucet, drain the water from it and shut off its flow. Not winterizing specific pipes can cause unnecessary breakage and cost big money. 


Don’t be a victim to Old Man Winter and his wrath. Contact Abbey Plumbing and Mechanical today for a plumbing evaluation and avoid problems later. We can be reached at (905) 822-0521.  

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