Don’t Let Cold Weather Wreck Your Plumbing: Essential Tips for Haymarket Homeowners

As we move from fall into winter, Haymarket homeowners have more to worry about than just turning on the heat. Cold weather puts your plumbing system to the test, and without the right prep, it’s easy to end up with frozen pipes, a broken water heater, or even basement flooding.

So what’s the best way to avoid these seasonal headaches? Get ahead of the game. Taking care of a few simple tasks in October and November can help you avoid costly, stressful plumbing problems later on.

1. Frozen Pipes Can Ruin Your Winter

Once winter sets in, the average low temperature in Haymarket can drop to 28°F or lower. Those freezing temperatures are the number one cause of burst pipes, and it’s a problem you don’t want to face. A burst pipe can dump 250 gallons of water a day into your home, causing thousands of dollars in damage. That’s why now’s the time to insulate any exposed pipes in your home’s crawl spaces, attic, or exterior walls.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, frozen pipes account for over 20% of all property damage claims during the winter months in the U.S. Preventing them is as simple as wrapping pipes in foam insulation or using heating tape.

2. Your Water Heater is About to Work Overtime

The colder the weather, the harder your water heater has to work. That’s especially true in Haymarket, where winters can be unpredictable. Water heaters already account for up to 18% of a home’s energy use, according to Energy.gov, but an old or unmaintained unit will burn through even more energy when it has to keep up with freezing temperatures.

If you haven’t had your water heater checked this year, now’s the time to schedule a quick tune-up. Flushing out any sediment buildup, checking for leaks, and making sure it’s running efficiently can save you from the sudden shock of an ice-cold shower in the middle of winter.

3. Outdoor Faucets and Hoses Are at Risk

One of the most common winter plumbing mistakes? Forgetting to disconnect your garden hoses. When the temperature drops below freezing, water left in your hose can freeze and expand, causing the pipe connected to your faucet to burst.

According to the University of Illinois Extension, a frozen garden hose can create pressure inside your pipes, leading to serious plumbing damage. Before temperatures dip, disconnect your hoses and drain them. For extra protection, consider installing insulated faucet covers to prevent cold air from reaching outdoor pipes.

4. Clogged Gutters Lead to More Than Water Damage

While clogged gutters might seem like a roofing problem, they can actually cause major issues for your plumbing system. As debris builds up in your gutters during fall, rainwater and snowmelt can’t drain properly. That water has to go somewhere, and it often ends up seeping into your home’s foundation or freezing in your downspouts.

If you want to avoid a flooded basement or extra strain on your sump pump, cleaning out your gutters before the first freeze is key. The National Association of Home Builders warns that ice buildup in clogged gutters can not only cause water damage, but also lead to structural issues.

5. Sump Pumps Need Love, Too

Speaking of sump pumps—if your Haymarket home has one, it’s about to become your best friend. Winter storms and snowmelt can cause your basement to flood, and if your sump pump isn’t working properly, you’re at serious risk.

Make sure to inspect your sump pump before winter hits. Clear away any debris that could clog the pump or the discharge line. According to Angi, regular sump pump maintenance can prevent up to 60% of basement flooding incidents, which makes it a smart move to keep your home dry this winter.

Stay Ahead of Winter’s Plumbing Problems

We all know that winter in Haymarket comes with its fair share of cold snaps, and your plumbing system takes a hit when those temperatures drop. But you don’t have to wait for something to go wrong to take action.

At Haymarket Plumbing, we specialize in making sure your home is ready for the cold months ahead. Whether it’s insulating pipes, checking your water heater, or inspecting your sump pump, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today to schedule a fall maintenance check before winter arrives—you’ll thank us later!