Gainesville Mechanical Inc | Logo
Request a Service

(770) 532-9130

Hi. Do you need any help?
Close

Blog Layout

Common Winter Plumbing Problems

CMG • September 5, 2022

As a property owner you should expect a change in seasons to present new challenges for your home. Some expected, some unexpected. It is impossible to predict when or how systems in a home will fail but there are steps that a diligent household can take to minimize these failures and their impact. Your plumbing system is no exception and there are several common issues that can be avoided with a few simple steps.

Water Line Issues

Leaks in your water lines can happen any time of year. But there is a high likelihood that they will happen during the winter months. The variance or swing in temperatures have a direct effect on the pipes that provide water to your home. Depending on the material these lines are made of, they may be stressed with the sudden drop in temperatures that can occur at the beginning and sometimes during the winter season. When the temperature is colder, some material contracts or shrinks. When temperatures rise, that same material expands. This expansion and contraction process weakens the material of the water line and can cause the line to burst or crack.


This phenomenon is more pronounced in southern climates like Georgia. Since the temperatures are typically milder than colder geographic regions, pipes and water lines are more likely to be exposed to the elements when placed outside the home. Inside the home, the same the lines can be vulnerable to climate conditions if they are in uninsulated spaces. Homeowners and builders in southern climates are accustomed to milder temperatures. As a result, the placement and insulation of these lines and pipes can sometimes be an afterthought in warmer climates. However, in colder climates they are almost always a consideration during the construction process. As a result, homes in southern or milder climates are more vulnerable to the fickle temperatures swings of Mother Nature.


Luckily, you can manage these temperatures swings by wrapping your pipes and lines with insulation sleeves made specifically for this purpose. In more extreme situations, you may have to have a plumber re-route lines to protect them from the elements and provide the proper insulation.

Frozen Pipes

Depending on your regional climate, frozen pipes may not happen often. But if it gets cold enough, even just one night, it can happen. Like with water line issues already discussed, a sudden drop in temperatures can cause havoc on your pipes. Specifically, when the water in your pipes freeze, it expands. If there is no place for the expanding ice to go, pipes will burst. If you suspect the temperature to drop significantly, you can help prevent this freezing from happening by insulating your pipes. With this relatively easy step you can help (prevent drain pipe freezing) in your home.

Hot Water Heater Failures

Almost every appliance or system designed to generate heat works harder in colder temperatures. Including hot water heaters. During winter months a hot water heater must heat up the colder water coming into your home from the main water line. Even if your hot water is located in a temperature-controlled room, the water coming in is not. As a result, the hot water heater must work harder to heat the cold water to the appropriate temperature. This can cause the unit to be overworked…even if your household usage remains consistent with the usage in the warmer months. And if your home is the gathering spot for the holidays, you will experience spikes in usage throughout the season.


The colder source water and potential for increased usage could impact your system and can lead to an increased chance of hot water heater leaks in winter months. If you find that your hot water heater is struggling to keep provide consistent hot water, it may be time for a repair or replacement.

Clogged Drains

Another common plumbing issue during winter months is the increased chance of clogged drains. Like water line cracks, these can happen throughout the year, but they are more prevalent during the winter months because of an increase in usage. Families tend to eat at home more often in the winter and family gatherings during the holiday season will increase the number of people eating at home. As a result, more waste is created in the winter months. This increase in volume can overwork your drain system. You can help prevent this by making sure you manage what is being poured down your drains and garbage disposals. You want to avoid fat, grease, bones, paper towels and wipes and other items that often clog drains.

Where Can I Get Help?

If you have more specific questions or believe that your plumbing system needs repair, a certified professional can help assess and evaluate your home. A member of our professional team at Gainesville Mechanical can explain what is happening with your current plumbing system and offer advice on how to make it run more efficiently to ensure that your household is comfortable during the winter months.


What is the Difference Between HVAC and Air Conditioning?
By 7007994652 September 21, 2023
HVAC vs AC: What's the difference? Learn about HVAC services, installers, tools, and more.
Is a Plumbing Inspection Necessary When Buying a New Home?
By 7007994652 September 6, 2023
Need a plumbing inspection before buying a home? Learn what's looked for, cost, & what happens if they find problems.
By 7007994652 September 5, 2023
Discover why your AC is blowing warm air and learn how to fix it. From thermostat calibration to compressor issues, find expert solutions to keep your home cool.
By 7007994652 August 16, 2023
Worried about water leaks? Learn how to detect them at home, the role of plumbers, and the cost of water leak detection.
How Does A Boiler System Work: Boilers Vs. Furnaces
By 7007994652 July 20, 2023
Discover the differences between boiler vs. furnace systems. Learn how a boiler heating system works and compare it to a furnace. Make an informed choice for your home heating needs.
Your HVAC and Carbon Monoxide: A Home Safety Guide
By 7007994652 July 13, 2023
Keep your home safe with HVAC care! Learn about HVAC gauges, tune-ups, vacuum pumps & more. Expert tips from HVAC engineers for a healthy home.
Re-Piping 101 | Gainsville Mechanical
By 7007994652 June 21, 2023
Ensure the longevity and functionality of your home's plumbing system with repiping services from Gainsville Mechanical. Say goodbye to recurrent issues and enjoy peace of mind.
Should You Use Salt Down Your Drain to Clear Plumbing Clogs?| Gainesville Mechanical
By 7007994652 June 13, 2023
Struggling with a clogged drain? Find out if pouring salt down your drain is the right solution. Learn about its effectiveness, risks, and better alternatives from the plumbing experts at Gainesville Mechanical.
Working With Your Plumber On A Bathroom Remodel
May 18, 2023
Transform your bathroom dreams into reality with the help of a skilled plumber. Discover the benefits of collaboration and expert guidance for a successful remodel.
The History Of Plumbing
May 17, 2023
Plumbing is integral to our everyday lives, providing us with essential water supply and sanitation systems. It ensures our homes and buildings have clean water for drinking, bathing, and other domestic needs. However, have you ever wondered about the origins of this vital system? For instance, when was plumbing invented? Well, plumbing has a long history. The greatest ancient civilizations like Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian, and Chinese have used the first versions of plumbing. While in the modern era, plumbing includes advanced features that keep your home hygienic and free of disease and contamination, plumbing in the ancient period meant having usable water inside and a way of removing wastewater. Let’s discover the answers to these fascinating questions about plumbing history, including - when did indoor plumbing start, who invented indoor plumbing, when did indoor toilets become common in America and all the exciting bits. Plumbing's Origin in Ancient Era In Mesopotamia, the elite class residents used separate bathrooms and indoor toilets to discard the waste into the river in 3000 BCE. Around 2600–1800 BCE, some regions, including Harappa, Rakhigarhi, and Mohenjo-Daro, developed the first urban sanitation systems in ancient India. These civilizations used well water through masonry conduits and dumped wastewater into the street drains. Around 2500 BCE, Egyptians started to use copper pipes to create complex plumbing and drainage system. The first version of flushing toilets was stone seats placed over water streams where a bucket of water was used to do the flushing. Around 2000 to 1700 BCE, these toiles were discovered in the Mediterranean island of Crete. The ancient Greek island of Crete created an advanced drainage system around 1700 to 1500 BCE. Their design included terracotta pipes and joint sockets. However, the ancient Romans made significant advancements in plumbing technology. Around 510 to 31 BCE, they started to use fresh water in baths, fountains, and toilets that came through tunnels of pipes. Romans built aqueducts to transport fresh water from the countryside to Rome. The water was collected in tanks to distribute. But, around 200 BCE, Romans replaced their existing system with lead pipes which caused countless deaths from lead poisoning. Plumbing in the Early Modern Era The invention of the flush toilet is attributed to Sir John Harington - Queen Elizabeth I's godson - an English courtier in the late 16th century. Long after, in 1652, America's Boston City built a water system for domestic and fire-fighting purposes, where pipes were made of tree logs. In 1664 a cast-iron water main was built in France's Marly-on-Seine to the palace at Versailles. This main could reach up to 15 miles from the pumping station, which supplied water to the palace gardens, fountains, and nearby towns. Then, in 1767, William Feetham designed the world's first mechanical shower. At that time, hot baths were popular, and no one wanted this cold and dirty water for a bath. However, this shower offered recycled water to be used in the shower. Alexander Cumming patented a toilet similar to the first flushing toilet but with improved features in 1775. This toilet had a flush mechanism that let users employ and refill the pan. It also prevented the sewer gas from entering the bathroom. This invention laid the foundation for the modern indoor toilets we use today. In 1778, Joseph Bramah patented a new toilet design which was an improved version of Cumming's design. And in 1795, New York built a unique water system for the firefighters. It was a network of logs that supplied water throughout the city. Firefighters drilled the logs and plugged the hole to access water. Now let’s take a look: Plumbing in The Modern Era During 1815 Philadelphia started supplying water governed by the municipality. They built a dam and water wheels across the Schuylkill River to provide water directly to businesses and homes through pipes. By 1819 cast iron mains began to replace the wooden system in Philadelphia. The Tremont Hotel of Boston installed indoor plumbing for guests in 1829, including indoor toilets and running water. Later in 1833 White House installed a plumbing system on the main floor of the presidential home. In the 1800s, Midtown Manhattan constructed its first reservoir in 1835, sourcing water from the Croton River. By 1842, the reservoir was operational, supplying approximately 72 million gallons of water daily. Later in 1855, America established its first sewer system, while in 1870, Thomas William Twyford introduced the ceramic flushing toilets. In the late 19th century, Thomas Crapper revolutionized the flushing toilet by introducing a floating ballcock and a "U" shape trap around 1880. This innovation improved the efficiency and reliability of toilets, setting the foundation for modern plumbing systems. In the End Experience a lifestyle upgrade with the latest advancements in plumbing technology. Let our professional team at Gainesville Mechanical Inc assist you in transforming your water supply and sanitation system. As a trusted HVAC service provider in Gainesville, GA, since 1989, we guarantee your comfort and satisfaction. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
More Posts
Share by: