Extreme weather—whether it’s bitter cold, scorching heat, or heavy rain—can put serious stress on your home’s plumbing system. Frozen pipes, burst mains, and backed-up drains are just a few of the common issues that homeowners face when temperatures swing to the extreme.
Fortunately, with a bit of planning and proactive maintenance, many of these problems are preventable. This guide will walk you through essential steps to protect your plumbing system before, during, and after extreme weather events.
1. Preventing Frozen Pipes in Cold Weather
Freezing temperatures are one of the biggest threats to residential plumbing systems. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls—often leading to cracks or full-blown bursts.
Tips to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate exposed pipes: Use foam pipe insulation on pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawlspaces, attics, and garages.
- Let faucets drip: A slow trickle of water can relieve pressure in the system and prevent freezing.
- Seal leaks: Use caulk or foam to seal gaps around pipes where cold air may enter (especially around exterior walls and windows).
- Open cabinet doors: Let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keep the heat on: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 55°F (13°C), even if you’re away.
- Disconnect hoses: Always remove and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior faucets before freezing temperatures hit.
2. Protecting Pipes from Summer Heat and Drought
While cold gets most of the attention, extreme heat and drought can also impact plumbing. Hot temperatures can dry out pipe materials and shift soil—especially clay—putting stress on underground lines.
Hot weather plumbing tips:
- Check for pipe expansion: Plastic piping can expand in heat. Make sure it’s properly secured with room to expand slightly.
- Monitor for slab leaks: Shifting ground due to drought can crack underground pipes. Watch for signs like damp spots, cracks in walls/floors, or sudden water bill spikes.
- Water your foundation: In dry areas, watering the soil around your home can help prevent it from shrinking and shifting.
- Inspect irrigation systems: Make sure outdoor systems are not overworking or leaking during heatwaves.
3. Guarding Against Heavy Rain and Flooding
Severe storms and flooding can quickly overwhelm plumbing systems, especially if drainage is poor or your home’s sewer line is outdated or damaged.
Flood prevention tips:
- Install a sump pump: A sump pump helps keep your basement or crawlspace dry by pumping out collected groundwater.
- Use a backwater valve: This device prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rains.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear: Ensure that water is directed away from your foundation to reduce basement flooding.
- Avoid using plumbing during a storm: If there’s a chance of sewer system overload, minimize water use (like flushing or running washing machines) during peak rainfall.
4. Preparing for Storm-Related Power Outages
Power outages can disrupt your plumbing—especially if you rely on electric pumps or heating systems for water supply.
What to do:
- Install a battery backup: For sump pumps and other essential equipment, a battery backup can keep things running during short-term power loss.
- Have bottled water ready: If you’re on a well system, your pump may not function during a blackout.
- Turn off water heater breakers: During a long outage, especially with gas or electric heaters, it’s safer to shut down the system to avoid damage when power returns.
5. Schedule Preventive Maintenance Year-Round
Extreme weather aside, the best defense against plumbing problems is regular maintenance.
Year-round checklist:
- Inspect exposed pipes for signs of wear or corrosion.
- Test outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for leaks.
- Clean out drains and gutters to prevent blockages.
- Have your water heater inspected and flushed annually.
- Schedule a plumbing inspection before seasonal shifts.
Conclusion
From frozen pipes to sewer backups, extreme weather can take a toll on your home’s plumbing. But by staying proactive and taking seasonal precautions, you can protect your system, avoid costly damage, and keep everything flowing smoothly—no matter what the forecast brings.
Preparedness is key. Think of these steps as insurance for your pipes: a little effort now could save you thousands later.