Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Common Winter Plumbing Problems

  • Plumbing

Winter weather is here in full force! Freezing temperatures and weather extremes can wreak havoc on your plumbing, even when you’re careful and take precautions to protect them. Here are a few common plumbing problems that you may encounter in your Bucks County home before winter ends:

Frozen and Burst Pipes

When the temperature drops in Bucks County, the chance of your pipes freezing goes up. Anytime the temperature drops below freezing for an extended period of time, you are at risk of pipes freezing, too.

The pipes in the most danger are those in basements and attics. These spaces are typically less insulated than other rooms in your home and can freeze more easily. These spaces are also the least visible in your home, so you may not notice the frozen pipe immediately.

A frozen pipe left alone can easily turn into a burst pipe. A burst pipe causes flooding damage and loss of water to parts of your home. In order to prevent these problems, it is critical to have a functioning heating system. This is your first defense to frozen pipes. Insulating those exposed areas, such as attics and basements, will reduce the chance of frozen pipes along with a warm home.

If your pipes do freeze- don’t panic. Your local technicians at McHale’s are here to help. We can assist with repairing your burst pipes.

Water Line Leaks

If you’ve had small water leaks in the past, leaving them to get worse during the winter can spell disaster. The freezing temperatures put a strain on pipes and can turn a small leak into a burst water line. Before the cold weather sets in, you should inspect any faucets and pipes in your home for leaks. Calling a local plumber from McHale’s will ensure that your home will stay dry and damage-free this winter.

Water Heater Issues

Imagine waking up on a cold morning in Bucks County ready to take a relaxing, hot shower- only to find upon entering it that your water heater isn’t working.

A water heater malfunction during the coldest months of the year is the last thing you and your family need. However, if you have an older model or have not maintained the current unit, a breakdown may be just around the corner.

It is crucial to have your water heater regularly serviced in order to prevent early heater breakdown. If your model is more than 10-12 years old, it’s probably time to get a full replacement. Call a professional technician at McHale’s today to schedule your water heater replacement!

Clogged Drains

The winter months bring an increase of family visitors and parties in Bucks County for the holidays. These celebrations usually involve cooking more in your home and an increased demand put onto your drains and pipes. When food particles and grease enter your pipes, they can stick to the side of your pipes and block drainage. In the winter the colder temperatures may stiffen grease and food particles making them more likely to block water flow to drains.

This kitchen problem is in addition to the many visitors who will be taking showers in your home, increasing hair and soap scum flowing down your drains. The last thing you want is clogged drains with a house full of family and friends. If you notice any of your pipes becoming slow to drain, call McHale’s to help you out before full-blown clog forms. Once a clog forms, it becomes a much larger job to fix than a partial blockage. Let us help you sail through winter with no issues!

Why Choose McHale’s ?

When plumbing problems arise in your Bucks County home, it’s important to call a plumber that you can trust. McHale’s offers 24/7 emergy plumbing services, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re covered, day or night!

For all of your plumbing needs this winter, call McHale’s! 

By McHales

Four Ways to Prevent Frozen Piping During the Holiday Season

Four Ways to Prevent Frozen Piping During the Holiday Season

  • Plumbing

Frozen Pipes in Bucks County, PA

Frozen piping. Two words that have the power to keep homeowners up at night. Why? Because one single occurrence of frozen pipes has the potential to do a lot of damage to your home — and your wallet. If you think you have frozen pipes in Bucks County, call the experts at McHale’s today! 

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes in Bucks County

 When you think of frozen pipes, the first thing you might think of is the inconvenience of not having any water. And it’s true: Until the water in the pipes has thawed again, you won’t be able to get water from your faucets, your toilets won’t flush and you won’t be able to run your washing machine or dishwasher.

However, frozen pipes are much more than inconvenient. They can damage your home. The reason for this is that when the water in the pipes freezes, it expands because ice has a greater volume than water. This expansion can cause the pipes to crack and burst. And when the water thaws out again, those cracks become leaks.

Sometimes they are located in areas that you can see; more often, they’re behind walls, under floors or in the slab, which means you won’t initially see them. Of course, once water starts seeping through the ceiling, you’ll know you have a leak, but by that time, the water damage can be extensive. In the worst case scenario, it can lead to mold growth — and that can affect the structure of your home, not to mention your family’s health.

Four Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

 Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways you can prevent the pipes in your home from freezing, even during the coldest time of year. Keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Always maintain an indoor temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the air around the pipes is warm enough to prevent the water inside them from freezing. Bear in mind that you need to maintain this minimum temperature even at night, as well as when you’re away during the day or on vacation.
  2. Keep the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open. Piping typically runs along the bottom of walls. If you keep the doors of your bottom kitchen and bathroom cabinets open, warm air keeps circulating closer to the pipes in the walls, as well as to the plumbing that’s exposed.
  3. Keep a faucet open. Running water doesn’t freeze. By keeping just one faucet open, water will keep moving through the pipes, which will prevent them from freezing. You don’t have to keep the faucet open all the way; a steady drip is all it takes to prevent frozen pipes in Bucks County. 
  4. Insulate the pipes, as well as your attic, basement, and all crawlspaces. You can purchase insulation sleeves to quickly and easily insulate the pipes, which keeps the water a few degrees warmer. In addition, insulating the attic, basement and any crawlspaces where pipes might be exposed can help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes can destroy your home and your budget. So, keep these tips in mind, and you won’t have to worry about frozen pipes during the holiday season!

If Your Pipes Do Freeze…Call McHale’s for Emergency Service 

Our experienced team of plumbers are industry leaders in skill, attitude, and workmanship. We will treat your home with the utmost respect and complete the project with speed and precision. In the event that your pipes do freeze and burst, McHale’s has you covered. We offer the following emergency plumbing services to not only get you through the holiday season but keep your plumbing working year round: 

  • Emergency plumbing service.
  • Emergency leak repair.
  • Emergency drain cleaning/repair.
  • Emergency water heater repair/replacement.
  • Emergency pipe repair/replacement.

Don’t wait for a plumbing issue to escalate. Call McHale’s today for emergency service! 

By McHales