A Quick Guide to Surviving Winter with Old Plumbing

Homeowners with older homes or aging plumbing need to take extra care during winter months to prevent a disastrous plumbing problems from occurring. Delicate pipes and colder temperatures are often a nasty combination that can lead to costly repairs in the future. If you're concerned about your plumbing and can't afford to have your pipes replaced quite yet, there are a few things you'll need to take care of to get your old pipes through the challenging winter months.

Prevent Clogging

A good preventative step to keep your drains clear all winter long is to periodically use a mixture of salt, baking soda, tartar, and boiling water to clear any gunk and debris that might have built up over the summer. Take 1 cup of salt, a cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup cream of tartar and treat your sink and bathtub drains with the mixture. Once you've let them sit for 10-15 minutes, pour two cups of boiling water down each drain.

Keep Your Pipes Warm

Even in milder climates such as in and around the Seattle area, concealed or buried pipes can become extremely cold and brittle, leading to greater risk of breaks and leaks. If you plan to leave your home for an extended period of time during the winter, keep a slow trickle of warm water running while you're away. Otherwise, you can ensure your pipes stay warm by wrapping them with insulated foam and leaving your cupboards open to allow for warm air to circulate in those areas.

Keep Your Water Usage Consistent

If you have a few other people living in your home, try and stagger your showers throughout the day. Allow for at least 15 minutes in between each shower to maintain hot water availability and proper pressure to keep moving water consistent through your pipes. This will reduce strain on your system and help prevent breaks and cracks from occurring.

If you doubt your system can maintain its integrity throughout the winter months, consider hiring a professional plumbing service to verify your plumbing's capabilities and make improvements as needed. Pioneer Plumbing and Heating can provide expert plumbing service and excellent attention to detail, ensuring your home's plumbing operates smoothly throughout every season. Contact us today by using the contact form or calling us at (206)232-3233.

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