Every winter, many Metro Atlanta-area homeowners experience severe winter plumbing problems, including burst pipes and flooding, water heater issues, sewage backups, and clogged drains. Fortunately, most of these issues are preventable with some plumbing maintenance.
At Chen Plumbing, our services include emergency plumbing, water heater repairs, pipe and sewer line installations, drain cleaning, gas line repair, and fixture services. Trust our licensed plumbers to bring local knowledge and years of experience to every job, helping Georgia homeowners like you avoid plumbing issues, keep you safe and comfortable, and prevent water damage in your home.
Winter Weather Can Stress Your Plumbing System
Freezing winter weather stresses your pipes, outdoor faucets, and even your water heater. Ice formations expand, blocking the water flow. This blockage eventually puts enough pressure on the pipes that they crack or rupture. Your plumbing system may also struggle to meet higher hot-water demands, while the freezing and thawing of the surrounding soil can cause soil shifts that stress underground plumbing.
At Chen Plumbing, we’re equipped to handle common winter plumbing issues and provide emergency assistance as needed. We’re the leading local experts in:
- Burst pipe repair
- Thawing frozen pipes
- Water heater service
- Emergency plumbing
Don’t hesitate to call us if you suspect your pipes are freezing or if you have any other plumbing concerns. Even common winter plumbing issues, such as small cracks, can cause you to lose hundreds of gallons per day, wasting water and increasing your utility bill. Timely action can prevent serious water damage to your home and save you from costly repairs.
Frozen Pipes: The #1 Winter Plumbing Problem in Georgia
While Georgia has a humid subtropical climate with short winters, temperatures can drop below freezing, and many homes aren’t adequately insulated to protect the plumbing system. This leaves your pipes vulnerable to the cold and can lead to frozen pipes. Georgia residents can count on Chen Plumbing for maintenance that helps prevent water lines from freezing, stopping ice formation in the plumbing that can expand and break pipes.
Burst Pipes and Emergency Leaks
At Chen Plumbing, we offer emergency burst pipe and leak repair. With three generations of plumbing expertise, our team can deliver fast, effective solutions so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
What to do if a pipe freezes or bursts
If you have frozen pipes that have not burst or cracked, you can try:
- Turning off the main water supply to your home
- Opening the faucets to reduce pressure in the pipes
- Applying indirect heat like a heating pad, heat tape, or a hair dryer (never an open flame)
If a pipe bursts in your home, take the following steps:
- Step one: Ensure your safety. If you suspect any electrical or fire hazards are present, or there’s severe structural damage, avoid the area and call for help.
- Step two: Turn off the water. Shut off your home’s water supply to prevent further damage from occurring. You won’t be able to use any water in your home until this is turned back on.
- Step three: Call your local plumber. Contact Chen Plumbing for emergency assistance.
- Step four: Move furniture and belongings. While waiting for your plumber to arrive, if it’s safe to do so, clear the area to make room for work and prevent water damage to your property.
Whether you see ice on your pipes or are experiencing a serious leak from freezing, don’t hesitate to call us.
Water Heater Problems in Cold Weather
During cold weather, the water entering your water heater is significantly colder than usual, which can strain the heater’s components and increase energy use to reach your desired water temperature.
Water heater problems in winter are exacerbated if your tank is the wrong size for your Atlanta home or if it is located in an uninsulated area, such as your garage or basement, because the heater must work harder to keep the water hot.
Low Water Pressure in Winter Months
One of the leading causes of low water pressure in winter is ice buildup. The sides of your pipes will begin to freeze first, narrowing the opening and restricting water flow. If you notice a drop in water pressure in your home, it may be due to the winter chill or indicate a water leak.
Clogged Drains and Sewer Line Issues
Colder weather can increase the rate at which fats and oils solidify in your pipes, creating clogs that trap hair, food scraps, and other debris. Cold weather can also cause the ground to shift, damaging underground plumbing and sewer lines.
Sump Pump or Sewage Backup Concerns
If water freezes in your sump pump discharge pipe, stopping water flow, the motor will run continuously and may burn out. It’s best to address any sump pump issues immediately to avoid water and sewage backups in cold weather.
How To Prevent Winter Plumbing Issues
Let’s look at how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if your pipes freeze and burst.
The Gwinnett County website offers these helpful tips for winterizing the plumbing in Georgia homes:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Check areas like your basement and crawlspace for exposed plumbing. Wrapping them in foam or rubber sleeves, or having a professional add insulation to the area, may help prevent future flooding in your home.
- Cover outdoor spigots: When temperatures drop below 32 degrees, cover your outdoor valves and spigots to prevent water inside from freezing and expanding.
- Schedule preventive winter plumbing maintenance: Have your plumbing professionally inspected before freezing temperatures set in. A plumber will identify any potential issues, such as cracks or weak points, and resolve them to prevent leaks.
- Turn off your underground irrigation system: Shut off the water, and drain all water from the pipes before closing the valves again. Leave it off until the weather warms up.
On extremely cold days, you may also want to open some faucets to let them drip slightly and keep under-sink cabinet doors open to let in heat.
Schedule Your Winter Plumbing Service with Chen Plumbing
At Chen Plumbing, our plumbers serve homeowners in Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties, as well as surrounding communities. Call us at (404) 383-9225 or contact us online to book your next plumbing service or to get a quote.
