5 Common Sacramento Plumbing Issues in Autumn and Winter

How to Avoid Them

Luis Dominguez

Master Plumber

kitchen sink with too many food scraps causing a clogged garbage disposal

How to Avoid California Plumbing Issues in Autumn and Winter

As the cool air of autumn arrives and winter comes, Sacramento homeowners need to get their plumbing systems ready for the cold months.

Neglecting your plumbing before the temperatures drop can be costly.

Clogged storm drains and frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and headaches.

You can avoid major issues and prepare your home for the changing seasons with some simple plumbing maintenance.

  • Storm Drains and Gutters

    With the rainy season approaching, storm drains play a critical role in directing rainwater from your gutters to the front of the street.
    However, neglected storm drains can easily clog, leading to flooding in your yard—a much bigger problem than just a blocked drain.
    To keep your storm drains functioning, consider investing in regular plumbing maintenance.
    This includes hydrojetting drain cleaning and camera inspections.
    These methods not only clear out existing debris but also identify common plumbing problems before they turn into emergencies.
    We recommend a thorough drain cleaning every two years to avoid water damage and keep everything flowing smoothly.

  • Kitchen and Laundry Lines

    Kitchen lines often become problematic during the colder months, especially when they are overloaded with food scraps.
    Kitchen lines and laundry lines connect, so a blockage in one can affect the other.
    A good way to prevent this common plumbing issue is to have a camera inspection.
    This checks for buildup and makes sure you have proper water flow.
    For a limited time in 2024, we’re offering a camera inspection deal for just $99 (regularly $350).
    If you choose to clean your pipes afterward, the $99 cost of the inspection will go toward the cleaning.
    Take advantage of this special offer to keep your kitchen and laundry lines running smoothly as winter approaches.

  • Garbage Disposals

    With Thanksgiving coming soon, the last thing you want is a clogged drain or a broken garbage disposal ruining your holiday.
    Our team gets many calls around Thanksgiving about garbage disposal problems.
    This often happens when people put too much food or the wrong types of scraps down the kitchen drain.
    Avoid the stress and the mess by scheduling a maintenance check now, before the turkey ends up in your sink surrounded by food scraps.
    If you are a current client, please check your email.
    We have a yearly special on garbage disposal maintenance.

  • Frozen Pipes

    One of the biggest winter plumbing threats is frozen pipes, which can lead to leaks or even burst pipes. When temperatures drop, the water in exterior pipes can freeze. When the frozen water expands it can crack pipes. Ice in the pipes can create blockages which will cause water to gush back into your house when the washing machine tries to drain.  To prevent this, it’s essential to insulate your pipes before the cold weather hits. A trip to Home Depot for pipe insulation can save you a lot of trouble. Focus especially on the main service line—the pipe that comes out of the ground and leads into your house. Wrapping these pipes in insulation will keep them from freezing and potentially bursting during those chilly winter nights.

  • Outside Plumbing

    Disconnect your garden hoses from the outdoor tap, drain them, and put them away for the winter.
    Turn off the tap and drain it.
    Leaving outdoor hoses attached can cause water to back up into the pipe, freeze, and potentially burst the faucet or connecting pipe.
    By disconnecting and storing your hoses, you can prevent winter plumbing issues.
    This will keep your outdoor taps in good shape for spring.

Protect Your Water System Before the Cold Sets In

Here are a few tips to avoid common plumbing issues in autumn and winter:

Your Trusted Sacramento Plumber

Being proactive with your plumbing maintenance is more cost-effective than dealing with unexpected repairs.

If you need help preparing your plumbing for fall and winter, our professional plumbers are ready to assist.

Schedule a service today and keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Whether it’s a small fix or a bigger plumbing project, I’m just a call away.

I can keep your plumbing system working properly and your water bills low!