Cold weather can create extra stress on your home’s plumbing system, especially during the winter months when drains and pipes are working harder than usual. Grease buildup, temperature changes, holiday cooking, and increased indoor water usage can all contribute to clogged drains and plumbing problems.
Fortunately, a few preventative steps can help reduce the risk of slow drains, backups, and costly plumbing repairs during colder weather.
Here are 10 simple ways homeowners can help protect their drains during the winter season.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
One of the biggest causes of kitchen drain clogs during colder weather is grease. While grease may go down the drain as a liquid, it quickly cools and hardens inside pipes, especially when temperatures drop.
Instead, pour grease into a disposable container and throw it away once it cools.
Use Drain Strainers
Drain strainers help catch food particles, hair, soap residue, and debris before they enter your plumbing system. This small and inexpensive tool can help prevent major clogs in both kitchen and bathroom drains.
Be Careful What Goes Into the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are convenient, but they are not designed to handle everything. Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or expandable foods into the disposal, including:
- Grease and oils
- Coffee grounds
- Pasta and rice
- Eggshells
- Potato peels
- Celery and fibrous vegetables
These materials can create buildup and increase the likelihood of drain clogs.
Run Hot Water After Using the Sink
Running hot tap water for a short period after using the kitchen sink can help move small amounts of grease and debris through the pipes before they settle. Plumbing experts generally recommend avoiding boiling water, especially with PVC piping, because excessive heat may damage pipes or fittings over time.
Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning
Routine drain maintenance can help remove buildup before it becomes a serious blockage. Professional drain cleaning can improve flow and help identify plumbing issues early before they turn into larger repairs.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they can damage pipes, weaken seals, and create additional plumbing problems over time. In some cases, they can even make clogs worse.
If a drain is slow or clogged, it’s often safer to use a drain snake, plunger, or contact a licensed plumber.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Cold temperatures can increase the risk of frozen pipes and drainage issues. Pipes located in crawl spaces, garages, attics, or exterior walls may benefit from insulation to help maintain more stable temperatures during winter weather.
Keep Water Moving During Freezes
During especially cold weather, allowing faucets to drip slightly can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes by keeping water moving through the plumbing system. Even a small trickle may help prevent freezing in vulnerable areas.
Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
A slow drain is often an early warning sign of a developing clog. Addressing drainage issues early may help prevent larger backups and more expensive plumbing repairs later.
If multiple drains throughout the home are slow, there could be a larger issue within the sewer line.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before Winter
Preventative plumbing maintenance can help homeowners identify small issues before cold weather creates bigger problems. A plumbing inspection may reveal hidden leaks, aging pipes, drainage concerns, or water heater issues that could worsen during winter months.
Winter Plumbing Help in Savannah, GA
At Henry Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Savannah, GA and surrounding communities with drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, sewer line services, water heaters, leak detection, and preventative plumbing maintenance.
Taking a proactive approach before colder weather arrives can help reduce the risk of unexpected plumbing problems when temperatures drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do drains clog more often during winter?
Colder temperatures can cause grease and debris to harden more quickly inside pipes. Increased holiday cooking and indoor water use can also contribute to buildup.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and plumbing components over time. Many plumbers recommend safer alternatives like drain snakes or professional drain cleaning.
Can cold weather affect indoor drains?
Yes. Freezing temperatures, grease buildup, and pipe contraction can all contribute to winter plumbing issues.
What should I do if my drain keeps clogging?
Recurring clogs may indicate a larger blockage or sewer line issue. A professional plumbing inspection can help identify the root cause.
