Here are some winter-related common plumbing problems to watch out for and the simple ways to fix or avoid them.

Pipes burst

A pipe's location within doesn't mean it's protected from freezing temperatures outside. Plumbing pipes that are near exterior walls, particularly in unfinished, uninsulated areas, are more susceptible to freezing in winter. As the water cools, it expands. This can cause the pipe to explode. This could cause costly damage to your home.

An easy way to protect yourself is to wrap pipes that are being pressurized with insulation. It's a simple and easy DIY task that can help you save money and headaches in the near future.

Frozen hose bibb

Each spring, we receive many calls regarding broken hoses of bibbs (also called the water spigot for outdoor use). It is often because homeowners forget to remove the water hose from the tap. The water that remains in the hose gets frozen; it backs up into the hose and bibb, which then causes the pipe to break.

To avoid this problem, make sure you take the hose from the faucet. Also, close the valve that supplies water to the spigot inside the house. This will ensure that there's not any water sitting in the pipe near an exterior cold wall.

Failure of the sump pump

In the event that you own a sump pump installed in the basement of your home, then you might believe that it is in hibernation until spring. But the water table that is on your property could be infiltrating your foundation, which is why the sump pump should be in a position to drain the water away. It is also impossible to predict what a warm stretch of weather will quickly melt snow and then over the ground.

It is important to ensure that the sump pump in your home is in good working order throughout the year. If the water is pumped directly onto your lawn, ensure that the pipe isn't blocked by snow and that the water is dispersed within 10 to 15 feet away from the foundation.

Roof issues and gutters

Ice and snow that accumulates on your gutters and roof could cause a variety of water-related issues. When the conditions aren't that severe, be sure to ensure that your gutters are clean prior to the next snow storm. We recommend that you invest in a roof rake in order to take large amounts of snow off the roof. This can reduce the chance of roof leaks and stop ice from accumulating over your drainage.