Here are some winter-related common plumbing problems to watch out for and the simple ways to fix them or prevent them from happening.

Pipes burst

A pipe's location within doesn't mean it's protected from the frigid temperatures outside. Pipes that are close to exterior walls, particularly in unfinished, uninsulated areas, can be susceptible to freeze in winter. If the water is frozen, it expands. This results in the pipes rupturing. This could cause costly maintenance to your home.

An easy way to protect yourself is to wrap pipes that are being pressurized with insulation. It's a simple and cheap DIY project that will help you save money and headaches in the near future.

Frozen hose bibb

Each spring, we receive numerous calls regarding broken hose of bibbs (also called the water spigot outside). It is often because homeowners forget to remove the water hose from their faucets. The water that remains in the hose is frozen, and it backs up into the hose and bibb, which then ruptures the pipe.

To avoid this problem, make sure you take the hose out of the faucet. Also, close the valve that supplies water to the spigot outside of the house. This will ensure there's no water in the pipe near the exterior walls.

Pump failure in the sump

In the event that you own a sump pump in your basement area, you could believe that it is in hibernation until spring. However, the water table on your property could be infiltrating your foundation, and the sump pump must be prepared to flush the water away. Also, you never know what a warm stretch of weather will quickly melt snow and then over the ground.

It's important to make sure your sump pumps are operating in good working order throughout the year. If the water is being pumped into your lawn, be sure the pipe isn't blocked by snow and the water is released within 10 to 15 feet away from the foundation.

Roof and gutter issues

The accumulation of ice and snow on your gutters and roofing can cause a wide variety of water-related issues. When the conditions aren't that severe, be sure to ensure that your gutters are free of obstruction prior to the next snow storm. Also, we recommend investing in a roof rake in order to remove large quantities of snow from the roof. This can reduce the possibility of a roof leak and keep ice from getting over your drainage.