Winter in Cheyenne, Wyoming, can be harsh, and freezing temperatures often lead to serious Winter plumbing problems. At Forever West Plumbing, we know how important it is to keep your home’s plumbing working smoothly throughout the cold months. Here are some essential tips to prevent and fix common winter plumbing problems.
Winter Plumbing Tips:
Avoid a Running Toilet in Cold Weather
A running toilet wastes water and increases your bill, especially when your city water supply is already in high demand during winter. Most of the time, the issue is caused by a faulty flapper that doesn’t seal properly. This allows water to flow continuously from the tank to the bowl.
If you notice your toilet running, remove the tank lid and check the flapper. If it’s worn out or damaged, replace it with a new one. Before installing, turn off the water shutoff valve located near your toilet and flush to empty the tank.
Another issue could be leaking toilets, which can waste hundreds of gallons of water. To check for a toilet leak, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait for 15-20 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that needs fixing.
Preventing and Fixing Clogged Drains
Winter can make clogged drains even worse because grease, soap, and hair harden in cold pipes. If your bathroom sink, kitchen sink, or double sink drains slowly, act fast before it turns into a severe clog.
Start with a plunger, especially for a bathtub clog or shower clog. Fill the sink or tub with a few inches of warm water and plunge up and down. If this doesn’t work, remove the drain cover and use a bent wire hanger to pull out any hair or soap buildup.
For tougher clogs, a small hand crank auger can reach deep into the pipes. If you’re dealing with a stubborn severe clog, a electric auger rented from a hardware store might be necessary.
If your drainage system still has issues, check if frozen pipes are slowing the flow. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, where winter temperatures drop below freezing, water in the pipes can solidify, leading to partial or complete blockages.
Dealing with Weak Water Pressure
Cold weather can reduce water pressure, making showers and dishwashing frustrating. The first thing to check is your water shutoff valve. If it isn’t fully open, turn it completely to restore pressure.
Next, consider your water meter and water department services. Sometimes, the city water supply itself might be experiencing issues. You can request a pressure reading from the local water department to ensure the delivery system is working properly.
Frozen or clogged pipes can also cause weak water pressure. If you suspect frozen pipes, try warming the affected area with a hairdryer or a heating pad. In extreme cases, a water booster pump may be required to increase pressure in your home.
Leaks in water mains can also cause a drop in pressure. If you notice unexplained drops, check for hidden leaks by inspecting walls and floors for damp spots.
Preventing a Clogged Garbage Disposal
Winter holidays mean more cooking, which leads to an increased risk of disposal clogs. Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle hard or fibrous food scraps. Avoid putting chicken bones, corncobs, and fruit pits into the sink.
If your garbage disposal does get clogged, never put your hand inside, even if the power is off. Instead, shine a flashlight inside to see if a large item like a fork is blocking the blades. Use pliers to remove the obstruction.
If there’s no visible blockage, take a broom handle or wooden spoon and gently move the blades back and forth to free any stuck debris. Running cold water while using the disposal can help prevent future clogs.
Keeping your plumbing in top shape during the Cheyenne, Wyoming winter requires regular maintenance and quick action when problems arise. If you need professional help, Forever West Plumbing is here to assist with all your plumbing problems.
