Avoid Winter Plumbing Problems

Murrieta and Temecula may experience mild winters like other areas. However, the fluctuating temperatures can still lead to plumbing issues. To avoid the cost associated with winter plumbing failures, it’s essential to be prepared. The following short articles offer tips and advice for homeowners to help them avoid potential problems.

Indoor Plumbing

If you have a home that is 20+ years old and has copper pipes, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for pinhole leaks. These leaks can cause significant water damage and costly repairs. Many older homes were built with thin builder-grade copper pipes that tend to develop these leaks over time. Most 20-year-old neighborhoods in Temecula and Murrieta have experienced frequent water damage from pinhole leaks due to these thin copper pipes. If you suspect your copper pipes may be at risk, have R&R Plumbing inspect them. In some cases, replacing the copper pipes with more durable PEX may be necessary to prevent further damage and mold growth in your home.

Winter Water Heater Failure

Winter can be harsh on your water heater, and keeping your system in good shape is essential to avoid problems that may require repair or replacement. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Drain and test your water heater: Remove the fine sediment by draining your water heater tank every year, as long as you’ve done this regularly in the past. Also, test your pressure relief valve to ensure it works correctly.
2. Spot and Resolve Problems: Check the thermostat settings whenever your water heater isn’t supplying enough hot water. Systems may have been unintentionally turned down, decreasing your supply. Never set your system above 125 degrees since it could cause excess energy loss and burns.

3. Inspect the power or gas supply if your water heater isn’t working. Power outages, closed valves, and utility outages can prevent your system from turning on properly.
4. Look for your water heater thermostat’s limit switch. If the water inside the tank gets too hot, it may trip and need to reset.

Keep in mind that water heaters typically last about ten years. If your unit is older than that, replacing the device may be more cost-effective than repairing the unit. Consider investing in a high-efficiency option to save power while enjoying a reliable hot water source. If you need assistance with your water heater, call R&R Plumbing at (951) 531-9261 for a free quote.

Garbage Disposal Failure

It’s important to remember that hard, greasy foods like fat, oil, grease, egg shells, and meat bones should be kept out of the garbage disposal. Avoiding clogs is especially crucial during colder weather and holiday gatherings when more meals are prepared at home. You can prevent clogs by flushing disposals and drains with cold water after use and deep-cleaning the garbage disposal regularly by grinding a few ice cubes in the chamber. These simple tips can help you avoid inconvenient clogs. However, it’s always a good idea to know how to resolve any problems that may arise.

• Keep hard, greasy foods out of your disposal. To avoid kitchen sink clogs, it’s important to keep hard, greasy foods like fat, oil, grease, frosting, coffee grounds, eggshells, meat bones, corn husks, and pasta out of your garbage disposal. Please encourage your family members and guests to scrape plates before putting them into the sink to keep these items out of your drainage system. Flushing disposals and drains with cold water for 15 to 30 seconds after use can also help prevent clogs. Additionally, deep cleaning the garbage disposal regularly by grinding a few ice cubes in the chamber can help keep it running smoothly.
• Flush disposals and drains after use. This is a great tip to prevent kitchen sink clogs. After using your garbage disposal or pouring liquids down the drain, flush the area with cold water for 15 to 30 seconds. This will help remove any remaining debris and prevent clogs from forming in your pipes. It’s a simple step to avoid plumbing problems and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
• Keep your disposal clean. To keep your garbage disposal clean, grind up a few ice cubes in the chamber. This helps deep-clean the system by dislodging any buildup or debris. Cover the drain stopper while doing this to prevent any ice from bouncing upwards.

Outdoor Drains

Outdoor drains are essential to keep your patio, deck, or driveway dry and functional throughout the year. However, plastic surface drains can become brittle during cold weather, and other components can crack due to temperature fluctuations. These drains are susceptible to root intrusions causing clogs, so it’s a good idea to test them before the rainy season starts. To prevent problems this year, taking good care of your drains is best. This will ensure better durability and reduce the risk of damage from weather changes.

If you cannot fix plumbing problems on your own, R&R Plumbing can help. Call (951) 531-9261 for a free quote.