While our Savannah winters may be tame to some, they can still be brutal on the systems of your home, and your sewer lines are no exception. When the temperature drops , as they regularly do in January, even pipes buried a few inches underground can become brittle from the cold and more likely to have issues in the future. You should suspect that your sewer lines have become compromised if you detect bad smells, sinkholes, or puddles around the area where they’re buried. You may also hear gurgles, or notice that your sink, tub, or toilet bowl drain slowly. The good news is there are things you can do to protect your pipes.
Have the Pipes Inspected
Before anything else, have your sewer pipes inspected by a plumber before the worst of winter sets in. A professional can find problem areas and perform troubleshooting and repairs.
Keep a Faucet Dripping on Frigid Nights
During those really frigid nights, you might want to leave a dripping faucet on. Even a trickle of water won’t freeze as long as it’s moving. It also helps to make sure the interior of your house stays at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit and raises the temperature of your water heater just a bit.
Be Careful What You Put Down Your Drain
Fat, grease, hair, paper products, and bits of food can clog your plumbing pipes and make them especially vulnerable during the winter. The same is true of your sewer line. Don’t try to flush the above mentioned items down the drain. Toss them in the garbage instead.
Call Us for More Tips to Maintain Your Sewer Line
A clogged sewer line is, at best, a pain in the neck. A burst sewer line is a disaster that’s time-consuming, messy, and expensive to fix. It’s always a good idea to be proactive when it comes to winterizing your plumbing pipes, including the sewer lines. If you need more tips or if you feel there’s a problem with your sewer and drain, don’t hesitate to call on our plumbers at TNT in Savannah, GA.