As the winter season approaches on Vancouver Island and the surrounding areas, it is time to ensure that all your plumbing, drainage, and heating systems are ready for what Mother Nature might throw your way.
Vancouver Island is well known for its temperate climate, offering the warmest weather in Canada. But this doesn’t mean that we are immune to the effects of winter weather. Environment Canada projects many rainy days ahead during this festive season.
Rain and snow can cause major damages to your plumbing system if not repaired immediately. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can avoid most plumbing problems. But in case they occur, you can always rely on Homewise Plumbing & Drainage to come to your rescue.
So, what are these common winter plumbing problems? Read on to find out, including their long-lasting solutions.
To help you get ready for the winter season and keep your plumbing system in check, our experienced plumbers have put together the top 5 winter plumbing problems in Vancouver Island and provided solutions for every situation.
The climate on Vancouver Island is different from what you would imagine when envisioning a typical winter season. Since rain is a bigger threat than snow or freezing temperatures, flooded basements are the region’s greatest and most expensive plumbing concerns.
Even though the rain accounts for most flooded basements, melted ice caused by the freezing waters could also lead to these floods. In most times, the flooding is also due to poor drainage and foundation cracks.
Solutions for Flooded Basements
Sure, Victoria may be the only major city in Canada whose temperature rarely drops below the freezing point. But this doesn’t mean that it can’t happen, and when it does, the cold temperatures can freeze your indoor and outdoor pipes, causing significant damages and inconveniences.
One major contributing factor to frozen pipes is the failure to shut off outdoor taps properly. Because of the mild climate and its surroundings, most homeowners tend to leave their hoses hooked up through the winter season. As much as this practice creates convenience, it is also a recipe for disaster.
When temperatures drop beyond zero for some time, or even days, water in the taps and hoses will freeze, expanding in the process. Since it has nowhere to go, the expansion will cause the pipes to burst, causing extensive damage to your pipes.
Solution for Frozen Pipes
Clogged drains can cause serious inconveniences, especially during this festive season full of cooking and celebrations. Soap, hair, grease, and paper can easily clog your drains. Kitchen and bathroom sinks are particularly at risk due to their regular use. As more food waste is taken down by garbage disposals, your kitchen sink will likely get clogged.
Solutions for Clogged Drains
As the cold winter temperatures become unbearable, you will need to rely on your hot water heating system, which could result in your heater working overtime. The reasons for poor heating are always difficult to tell. Sometimes it’s just an assembling problem, or some parts are worn out, while on some occasions, it could be due to sediment buildup.
Solutions for Poor Water Heating
Still water is a pipe’s worst nightmare during winter. A busted water line occurs when water in the pipes freezes, leading to increased water pressure which eventually causes the water lines to burst. This could lead to major flooding in your home and damaged appliances.
Solutions for Busted Water Lines
Whenever these common winter plumbing problems occur, don’t hesitate to act. For problems that require professional help, such as pipe bursts, clogged drains, or poor drainage, call Homewise Plumbing & Drainage for effective plumbing repairs today. Our skilled plumbers will attend to your plumbing needs in the shortest time possible.