If there is one thing people do not want during the winter season, it is a clogged drain. In some cases, there could be serious ramifications if you do not consider the following tips. Repairs for drains can put a damper on your mood as well as your wallet. 

What can you do to solve these plumbing problems in your Chelmsford home? These following tips cover drains for all aspects of your home this winter. 

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Kitchen Sink

This is easily the #1 mistake homeowners make throughout the year. When you pour grease or any kind of fats or oils down the drain, you’re just asking for a catastrophic clog.

When grease, oils or fats are poured down the drain, it might seem harmless since it’s a liquid. But the liquid quickly cools, congeals and then becomes a sticky trap that catches anything else going down the drain. And eventually, it becomes one big clog that’s completely blocking your drain. Drain replacement or repairs can put a severe dent in your finances. 

Instead, collect oils, fats and grease into a re-sealable can or cup. As an alternative, place the can of grease, oil or fats into a refrigerator unit and wait for the substance to congeal. After the material congeals, simply throw out the can or recycle. 

Avoid Clogging Your Garbage Disposal

While grease is the absolute worst substance you can put in your drain, there are other objects that should be avoided all together. This is especially pertinent if you have a garbage disposal unit as part of your drain system. These items include the following:

• Bones
• Fibrous fruits/vegetables: This includes celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce
• Coffee Grinds
• Fruit Pits: Includes Avocado pits, peach pits, etc.
• Corn Husks
• Egg Shells
• Potato Peels
• Pasta, Rice and Grains

If these items much like grease or oil, can clog up your drain or prevent the garbage disposal blades from working properly. If the blades are jammed, this can also increase the buildup in the disposal drain. 

Water Heater Failure

Hot water heater failure is a common problem during the winter due to cold temperature changes. The water coming into the heater is colder, and drops the overall temperature of the water. When the water is colder, it becomes harder to heat, and the water heater must work more intensely to get the water hot. The winter months also requires the use of more hot water to stay warm in the colder weather, so the water heater is used more often. A bad part or build-up can cause water heater failure during the winter months due to excessive use. Once a part is broken, a plumber has to be called to fix the issue. To prevent this issue from occurring, be sure to set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and reduce your hot water usage. 

Frozen Pipes

When you combine high water pressure with freezing temperatures, water can quickly freeze your pipes. Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, and can also lead to pipe breakage. Frozen pipes can also go undetected until the problem becomes severe. A sign that your water pipes may be frozen is a light water flow from your shower or sinks. If you suspect your pipes may freeze, leave a sink on very low, just so that the water is slightly dripping out. This can help reduce pressure and keep water flowing. To prevent freezing, you can also use insulation wrapping on your pipes. If water seems to be flowing short or you want to look into prevention methods, contact your local plumber.

Call MillTown today and schedule your service checkup to prevent plumbing problems before they happen in your Chelmsford home!

Read What Our Happy Customers Had To Say!

By Milltown Plumbing

The last thing you want in the middle of a cold New England winter is a leaky pipe. Leaking pipes lead to water damage in your walls or floors, costing you money. They can also quickly turn into fully burst pipes which can flood large areas of your home. How can you stop a leaky pipe from ruining your winter? Learn the warning signs of leaks and take action by calling the plumbing experts at Milltown.

Signs You Have a Leaky Pipe:

• Your Bills Have Gone Up: If you notice an increase in your water bill, but you have not been using any more water than usual, a leaky pipe may be the culprit. Water bills tend to be predictable so be aware of any sudden spikes. 
• Discoloration in Your Ceiling: If your ceilings are turning a rusty brown or yellow color there is a leak somewhere in your home. These stains are especially common in rooms below bathrooms. A little water spilling from the bath is not enough to create prominent discoloration spots on your ceiling. Only constant water dripping would create these issues. Call a plumber to inspect the area as soon as you notice this sign.
• Mold or Mildew: Mold and mildew occur in wet areas. A small amount is normal inside your shower stall and is easily removed by regularly cleaning. If you are finding mold or mildew on non-shower walls or in corners of the bathroom, this is probably from a leak. Mold is not only a sign of a leak, but it is also dangerous to inhale. If you notice mold in your home, contact a plumber from Milltown.
• Musty Smell: A common sign of a leaky pipe is a persistent damp smell. If you’re cleaning regularly and that musty smell just won’t go away, there may be a pipe leak somewhere in your home.
• Peeling Wallpaper or Wet Walls: Water leaks will make wallpaper pull away from walls or make wall structures buckle. If you have a leaky pipe near a wallpapered section of the home, you will notice this pulling and bubbling. If your walls appear to be wet or buckling, this is also a sign of a leaky pipe. Your wall should be straight and show no signs of sagging or dampness.
• Water Accumulation and Spongy Floors: This is the most apparent sign you have a leaky pipe in your home. If you see any water pooling around pipes, call a plumber immediately. When your floors feel spongy and soft to walk on then that is a sign of water damage. Floors should feel solid and secure, not soft and fragile. 

Do not let a leaky pipe with minor damages escalate into a full-blown flood in your home. Look for signs of leaky pipes and contact a plumber immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The faster you take care of a small leak, the more hassle you will avoid down the line. Call the experts at Milltown today to schedule an appointment! 

Call MillTown today and schedule your service checkup to see if you need plumbing repair or replacement!

Read What Our Happy Customers Had To Say!

By Milltown Plumbing