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Top 6 Reasons to Schedule a Winter Plumbing Check-Up
A winter plumbing check-up helps stop frozen pipes, water heater troubles, and pricey emergency repairs. Checking insulation, drainage, and outdoor fixtures keeps your plumbing safe from cold weather damage. Getting a pro inspection makes sure everything works well and saves you money in the long run.
Prevent Costly Pipe Bursts in Freezing Temperatures
When temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C), your pipes are at risk of freezing.
The longer the cold lasts, the higher the chance of trouble.
When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands and can cause cracks, leaks, or even full-blown bursts.
If that happens, you could face major water damage and costly repairs.
Watch for warning signs like weak water flow, frost on pipes, or odd noises—clanking or whistling—when you turn on the tap.
Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and garages are especially at risk.
If your home has old plumbing or has had freezing issues before, it’s smart to schedule a professional inspection.
To protect your pipes, start with insulation.
Foam pipe sleeves or heat tape can help prevent freezing.
Also, keep cabinet doors open in your kitchen and bathroom to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
On extremely cold nights, let a slow trickle of water run from your faucets to relieve pressure inside the pipes.
A winter plumbing check-up can help you avoid freeze-related disasters.
Don’t wait for a burst pipe to ruin your day—take steps now to protect your home before freezing temperatures hit Conway, SC.
Make Sure Your Water Heater is Ready for Winter
Winter puts extra stress on your water heater.
If it’s not working well, you’ll feel it—colder showers, slow heating, and higher energy bills.
As temperatures drop, the water coming in gets colder, making your heater work harder and slowing down how fast it heats new water.
That’s why a Winter Plumbing Check-Up is essential to ensure your water heater is functioning efficiently.
To keep it running right, watch for warning signs like uneven water temperature, strange noises, or rust on the tank.
Over time, sediment can build up inside, making it less efficient and harder to keep water hot.
Flushing the tank before winter helps, but if your heater is old or acting up, calling a pro is a good idea.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up can help identify and resolve these issues before they become major problems.
Gas water heaters often have pilot light problems in winter because of changing temperatures.
Electric water heaters have their own issues—heating elements can burn out, or the thermostat can fail, leaving you with lukewarm water.
A full inspection can catch these problems before they leave you in the cold.
Don’t wait for your water heater to break on a freezing day.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC will make sure your system is ready to handle winter.
If you’re in Conway, SC, scheduling a seasonal service can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Keep Your Drains Clear and Water Flowing
Winter can be tough on your home’s drains.
As it gets colder, fats, oils, and grease thicken and clog your pipes.
When they harden, they block water flow, causing slow drains and even backups.
Another winter problem? Tree roots creeping into your pipes.
Even though plants slow down in winter, underground roots still search for moisture.
If your pipes have cracks or weak spots, roots can get in and cause blockages.
Small clogs that aren’t a big deal in warm weather can turn into major issues when ice forms in your pipes.
Want to avoid winter drain problems? Never pour grease down the sink.
Also, run hot water to break down fats before they build up.
Regular drain care—like professional cleanings or enzyme treatments—can stop clogs before they happen.
Not sure if your drains are ready for colder months?
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up can help.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC offers inspections to find problem areas before they become costly repairs.
If you live in Conway, SC, their team can check your pipes and keep your plumbing running smoothly all season.
Protect Outdoor Plumbing from Freezing
Scheduling a Winter Plumbing Check-Up can help you avoid costly damage as temperatures drop.
Any water left in hoses or outdoor faucets can freeze, expand, and cause serious issues.
A simple fix? Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before winter.
This keeps water from freezing inside the pipes and helps prevent leaks or bursts.
Another easy way to protect your plumbing is by using faucet covers.
These affordable covers act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the cold out.
Want even more protection? Install frost-free hose bibs—these special faucets stop water from sitting inside, so it won’t freeze and crack your pipes.
If you have a sprinkler system, winterizing it is a must.
Turn off the water supply, drain the system, and blow out any remaining water if needed.
If water is left inside, it can freeze and cause cracks, leading to costly repairs when spring rolls around.
For homeowners in Conway, SC, a Winter Plumbing Check-Up can ensure your outdoor plumbing is winter-ready.
If you’re unsure how to do it, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC is here to help.
Learn more about protecting your outdoor faucets from winter damage today.
Keep Your Water Pressure Steady in Cold Weather
Winter can be tough on your plumbing, and low water pressure is a common problem when temperatures drop.
As the cold sets in, pipes shrink, making leaks or blockages more likely.
If a pipe freezes, ice can build up inside and completely stop the water flow.
Leaks are especially sneaky in winter since pipes expand and contract with the changing temperatures.
A tiny crack can quickly turn into a big problem, leading to water damage and expensive repairs.
A simple Winter Plumbing Check-Up can catch these issues before they turn into emergencies.
If your water pressure drops, look for other warning signs like discolored water, slow drains, or strange noises from your pipes.
These could signal bigger problems that need a plumber’s attention.
Fixing pressure issues early can help prevent frozen pipes, water damage, and extra strain on your plumbing system.
For peace of mind this winter, schedule a Winter Plumbing Check-Up with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Conway, SC.
Their experts will inspect your system and make sure your pipes are ready for the colder months.
Prevent Frozen and Cracked Pipes
Frozen pipes aren’t just annoying—they can cause expensive water damage and big repairs.
The pipes most at risk are in unheated places like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
When it gets cold, water inside exposed pipes can freeze, expand, and crack—or even burst.
One of the best ways to stop freezing is by insulating your pipes.
Foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or even thick towels can help.
On really cold nights, letting faucets drip keeps water moving and lowers the risk of freezing.
Opening cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms let warm air reach the pipes, giving them extra protection.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up can help prevent unexpected issues, especially in places like Conway, SC, where winters aren’t always harsh, but sudden cold snaps can still damage unprotected pipes.
Scheduling a Winter Plumbing Check-Up ensures your pipes are properly insulated, your outdoor faucets are protected, and your plumbing system is ready for freezing temperatures.
Before the cold weather sets in, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
If you have outdoor faucets, switching to frost-proof models can help prevent problems.
If your pipes do freeze, don’t use direct heat—like a blowtorch—it’s dangerous.
Instead, wrap them in warm towels or use a space heater at a safe distance.
If you need help with frozen pipes or plumbing emergencies, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC.
Keep Your Plumbing Working Longer
Winter is rough on pipes, water heaters, and outdoor plumbing, but a little upkeep keeps everything running smoothly.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up not only helps you avoid mid-season trouble but also makes your plumbing last longer.
Cold weather makes pipes expand and contract, which wears them down over time.
A quick inspection can catch small leaks or corrosion early—before they turn into costly repairs.
Water heaters work extra hard in winter too.
If sediment builds up inside the tank, it lowers efficiency, making the system overwork and wear out faster.
A simple inspection and flush can keep it running at its best.
Outdoor fixtures need attention too.
Frozen water expands and can crack faucets, hoses, and supply lines.
Draining and insulating your hose bibs now can help you avoid major problems later.
Besides preventing damage, seasonal plumbing maintenance boosts efficiency and lowers utility bills.
When your plumbing runs well, you waste less water and energy—saving money over time.
Taking care of things now means fewer emergencies and plumbing that lasts for years.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC is here to help homeowners in Conway, SC with expert seasonal maintenance.
How to Avoid Emergency Plumbing Repairs
Winter plumbing problems can turn your home upside down.
Frozen pipes, burst lines, or a broken water heater can cause stress and costly repairs.
The good news? A little maintenance can help you avoid these headaches.
One simple way to keep pipes from freezing is to keep your home at least 55°F (13°C), even when you’re away.
Sudden cold can make pipes expand and contract, which can lead to cracks or bursts.
A steady thermostat helps prevent this.
Check pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Wrap exposed pipes in foam or heat tape to protect them from the cold.
Also, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before winter hits to prevent pressure from building up in exterior pipes.
Your water heater works harder in colder months.
If it’s not well maintained, it’s more likely to fail when you need hot water the most.
Flushing out sediment and checking for worn-out parts helps keep it running smoothly.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing near Conway, SC can give you peace of mind and protect your home from costly repairs.
Save Energy and Cut Utility Bills
Winter can put a strain on your plumbing, and small issues can lead to higher utility bills if ignored.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up helps catch problems early before they waste energy and money.
Leaky pipes and outdated fixtures make your system work harder, driving up water and energy use.
Fixing them can lower your monthly bills and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
A simple way to prevent problems is to open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom.
This lets warm air circulate around your pipes, helping prevent freezing and costly burst pipes.
You should also check for leaks and insulate hot water lines to stop heat loss and keep water temperatures steady.
Your water heater works hardest in winter, and if it’s not running efficiently, it can waste a lot of energy.
If your unit struggles to maintain heat, it’s using more energy than needed to warm incoming cold water.
Keeping your water heater in good shape improves efficiency and keeps your home warm all season.
By scheduling a Winter Plumbing Check-Up with a trusted local plumber in Conway, SC, you can catch these issues early, lower your energy bills, and avoid surprise plumbing problems when temperatures drop.
Make Sure Your Sump Pump Works This Winter
If you want to keep your basement or crawl space dry, your sump pump needs to work properly—especially in winter when melting snow and rain add extra moisture.
Freezing temperatures can cause the discharge pipes to freeze, leading to backups and possible flooding.
If your pump isn’t working right, you could end up with water damage that was easy to prevent.
Cold weather can also weaken your sump pump’s parts.
PVC pipes can become more fragile in the cold, making them more likely to crack or break.
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up makes sure your pipes and pump are in good shape, saving you from expensive repairs later.
Scheduling a Winter Plumbing Check-Up can also help identify issues before they turn into costly emergencies.
Regular maintenance includes removing debris, checking the discharge line for clogs, testing the float switch, and making sure the pump starts when needed.
If your sump pump is more than seven years old or showing wear, you might need a new one.
Keeping your sump pump in top shape this winter isn’t optional—it’s a must.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Conway, SC can inspect your system and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Need help winterizing your sump pump?
Our team has you covered.
Book your sump pump service today!
Get Expert Help for a Stress-Free Winter
A Winter Plumbing Check-Up isn’t just a good idea—it’s key to keeping your pipes working when the temperature drops.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC, we catch small issues before they turn into big, costly problems.
One major winter threat? Hidden leaks. Cold weather makes pipes expand and contract, which can turn a tiny leak into serious water damage.
A quick inspection now can save you from expensive repairs later.
We also check your water heater to make sure you’re never stuck with icy water on a freezing morning.
Another big concern is frozen or burst pipes.
We’ll inspect exposed pipes and make sure they’re well-insulated to handle the cold.
We also check outdoor faucets, sump pumps, and drainage systems so your whole plumbing system is ready for winter.
With expert help, you won’t have to worry about surprise plumbing disasters when you need heat and hot water the most.
Don’t wait for a burst pipe to act—schedule your seasonal inspection today with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC, and keep your home safe this season.
FAQs
How can I keep my pipes from freezing in winter?
Winter plumbing maintenance helps prevent frozen pipes by wrapping exposed ones in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Keeping cabinet doors open under sinks allows warm air to circulate and protect pipes. Letting faucets drip slightly keeps water moving and reduces the risk of freezing.
Why does my water heater take longer to heat up in winter?
Winter plumbing issues arise because colder incoming water makes heaters work harder. Flushing out sediment and checking insulation improve heating efficiency. Regular winter plumbing maintenance prevents breakdowns and keeps the system running smoothly.
What should I do if my outdoor faucet is frozen?
If my outdoor faucet freezes, I turn off the water leading to it and gently thaw it with a hairdryer or warm towels. I never use an open flame since that can wreck the faucet or pipes.
Can cold weather mess with my water pressure?
Yes, when it’s freezing, water in the pipes contracts, which can lower pressure. Sometimes, ice blockages or leaks from burst pipes make it worse.
Do I really need a pro for a Winter Plumbing Check-Up?
Yep! A plumber can catch small problems before they turn into big repairs. Scheduling a Winter Plumbing Check-Up ensures they check for leaks, make sure my pipes and water heater are winter-proof, and help keep my plumbing in top shape all season. If you’re in Conway, SC, local professionals are available to help protect your home from winter damage.