How Good Plumbing Can Help You Stay Comfortable in the Winter - Al Bourgeois Plumbing & Heating

Despite the Southern climate, nothing changes the fact that a chilly morning can ruin your day. The only thing that can possibly get you out from under the covers and on your way to work is the promise of a hot shower. You pull the curtain back, step under the stream of water and your blood runs cold. It’s freezing. It’s more than an inconvenience. Anyone who’s experienced the sting of freezing water on a winter morning knows that it can put a damper on your routine. It can also be a sign that your plumbing needs a little tune-up.

Winter is an especially tricky time for plumbing, especially in Louisiana. The fluctuating weather and moisture deviations are catalysts for several potential plumbing catastrophes. Planning ahead and learning to recognize possible weaknesses will help you have an easy, comfy chilly season.

Why Won’t My Water Heat Up? 

One of most unpleasant winter plumbing woes pertains to the loss of hot water. If you don’t have any hot water, or your faucet is taking longer than usual to heat up, you could be experiencing some major issues with your hot water heater. In order to avoid these unnecessary hassles, trust an experienced plumbing professional to maintain your home’s utilities. A standard water heater has a shelf life of around ten years. But proper care and maintenance can help it live even longer!

Pro Tip: Turning your water heater down in winter will help reduce the possibility or a leak or burst. And it will reduce your heating costs! Try turning it down to between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s Going on with My Pipes?

While frozen pipes are somewhat of a peculiarity in Louisiana, there are other things the colder climate can do to damage your pipes. Even if they don’t freeze the first time around, old metal pipes are especially susceptible to changes in weather conditions. Elements like rust and frost can contribute to long-term damage. And even down South, you can never predict the weather.

If a cold front should arise, there are a few things you can do to protect your plumbing:

• Remember to drip water faucets to prevent potential frozen pipes. It’s okay to drip only one as long as it’s at the other end of your house from where your water pipes begin. You must consider the branch lines and drip water in fixtures that service those areas. You want to make sure the water is traveling the full length of the house to make it to the dripping faucet.
• Insulate your exterior pipes (particularly the main water line) with a layer of foam. These foam tubes can be found at most hardware stores and will drastically reduce the possibility of freezing. You can also purchase inexpensive covers for exterior faucets.

Septic Tank Backups and Problems

For property owners with a septic system, your septic tank should be an impermeable fortress of concrete and plastic, awaiting wastewater and sewage for anaerobic treatment. During the winter, your tank experiences new challenges that can overcome even the sturdiest of defenses: Plummeting temperatures and…guests.

• Lower Temperatures: As you have likely surmised, the cold isn’t good for your septic pipes. Even a small leak can cause a septic tank to freeze and crack. Make sure to have your tank inspected for leaks before it’s too late.
• Family and Holiday Guests: You have a sturdy, reliable septic tank that’s never let you down. But an influx of company and activity could be the unexpected element that damages your system. Unfamiliar or unauthorized waste products and an overworked system are two elements that can bring harm to a septic tank. Pro tip: If you have family over, remind them what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet!

Keep your wastewater disposal methods safe and secure by having a trained plumber come and inspect your septic tank to make sure your waste levels aren’t too high.

Planning Ahead will Save You Time and Money in the Future

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world free of plumbing emergencies? That dream may be easier to achieve than you thought. Plumbing technicians aren’t just lying in wait for your next big leak or clog. They are a big part of your defensive strategy, to ensure your plumbing runs smoothly all year long. Call a plumber you trust to give your plumbing a check-up before the chill sets in!

Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing Today!

Bourgeois Plumbing has more than a dozen licensed plumbers on our fleet, delivering to our customers over 300 years of combined experience. If you need an inspection, repair or installation, we’ll be able to provide you fast, friendly cost-efficient service, every time. Requesting a service is easy! If submitted after normal business hours, we’ll get back to you by the next business day.