Drain Problems To Look Out For During Winter

The winter periods are slowly approaching us. When it comes to snug nights and shorter daylight hours, there is one unavoidable thing that always occurs and It is none other than breaks and blockages – especially for drainage systems. Winter typically is accustomed to generating colder temperatures which can be harmful for your drains and pipework. As such this article will discuss: 

• How winter causes drain problems 
• How to minimise risk of drain problems during winter 
• Final points

How Winter Causes Drain Problems

First and foremost, it is important to understand how the winter periods can cause drain problems in your home and outdoor settings. One of the main reasons as to why it causes damage to your drains is because the pipes are susceptible to harsher weather conditions which can lead to them bursting. Pipes also typically have a temperature threshold of -6 degrees. With this in mind, some of the signs of frozen pipes include:

• Formation of frost on the exteriors of the pipe
• No water coming from faucets
• Unpleasant smells coming from the sinks

Water is another factor which needs to be addressed. This is because water has a fascinating quirk where it expands by approximately 9% when frozen and can cause many issues with pipework. If left untreated, repairing drains can be expensive and inconvenient which you will have to deal with professionally. 

Clogged drains is another thing to consider during the winter periods and can also impose difficulties with drain pipes as grease can solidify and create obstructions in the drain. Similarly, snow and ice can be a problem as when they melt, it increases the amount of water flowing through your drains so it’s essential that they are free-flowing to allow any excess surface water to drain away during the thaw.

How To Minimise Risk Of Drain Problems During Winter

Having a general understanding on how to unblock drains can’t go amiss during the winter periods however, it is best left to a professional if you want to ensure an appropriate job has been conducted and the safety of yourself is assured. 

However, we think it is important to note that water in drain pipes will normally begin to freeze around the inner circumference of a pipe due to this area being exposed. As the freezing continues, the diameter of the pipe begins to diminish. With this basic knowledge in mind, we have provided some useful tips on how you can minimise risk of drain problems during winter which have been detailed below:

Portable Space Heater

For some of you reading, you may be asking “how to clear blocked drains outside during winter periods”. A simple solution to this would be a portable space heater depending on where the drain is situated. If you have an outside drain blocked,  it is important to apply gradual, gentle heat to melt away icy obstruction from your drain pipes. By setting up a nearby space heater, it will allow the ice to slowly thaw. However, it is important to note that this is only possible if you have access to the drain pipe network. If it is underground (which they commonly are) you cannot perform this tip.

Seal Up Cracks, Gaps And Holes

It is imperative that cracks, gaps and holes around where your pipes are located are sealed. When the temperature drops during winter, these gaps will pass cold air through. This increases the likelihood of your drain pipes becoming frozen. If there are any easily accessible pipes with holes in it, a simple silicone tape can be sufficient. Otherwise, you will need to call a drain and pipe cleaning specialist to help you fix your damaged pipes. 

Add Extra Insulation

Insulating your drain pipework is an ideal way to stop them freezing and potentially bursting. There are numerous insulating materials available to purchase such as rubber and fibreglass. It is also important that you check the pipework in the roof as they tend to be the most vulnerable area in a property as they are more exposed to the winter temperatures. 

Keep The Heating On In House

A simple trick to keep your drains and pipes free from freezing is to keep your central heating on (and lowered during the night). While this may sound like you’re wasting a lot of money on heating, setting a timer at certain points of the day keeps the system running, pipes warm and prevents freezing which will save you in the long run.

Make Sure You Haven’t Got A Dripping Tap

This is quite an important tip for minimising drain problems during winter because the water wasted from dripping taps tends to freeze in the waste pipes once it leaves the property. The knock-on effect of this is that it can cause drainage pipes to freeze and overflow. As such, always make sure your taps are turned off after use. 

If you don’t feel confident in troubleshooting a frozen pipe, it is best to call a drainage professional such as the ones here at Draincall. Although you may be able to handle thawing a frozen pipe, you are most likely not able to solve the underlying problem which led to its freezing in the first place which is why our drainage expert will be able to reliably diagnose and remedy your issue for you. 

Final Points 

Now that you understand the inconveniences of cold temperatures during the winter periods and how this can negatively affect your drains, you may still be thinking that your specified drain needs some serious work in order to clean and fix. If this is the case, why not call one of our drain cleaning specialist to examine whether you need suitable actions on: 08000 157 823 or alternatively email us at office@draincall.co.uk