Top 4 Plumbing Issues to Watch for in Colder Weather

Plumbing issues in cold weather often include frozen pipes, clogged drains, water heater trouble, and burst pipes. Freezing temps can crack pipes, lower water pressure, and strain your plumbing. To prevent big problems, insulate pipes, take care of your water heater, and never pour grease down the drain.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Plumbing

Winter can be tough on plumbing issues, and small problems can turn big fast.

The biggest issue? Water expansion.

When the temperature drops, water inside pipes can freeze and expand.

This can lead to cracks or even burst pipes.

And even if pipes don’t freeze all the way, extreme temperature shifts can weaken them over time.

Your water heater also works much harder in the cold.

Incoming water is colder, so your heater has to run longer, wearing it down faster.

If you skip maintenance, sediment can build up inside the tank, making it even less efficient.

That means higher energy bills and lukewarm water when you need it most.

A simple water heater flush can clear out buildup and keep things running smoothly.

On top of that, winter means we use more water—hot showers, extra laundry, and running dishwashers all put more stress on pipes.

Even small leaks can get worse in freezing weather, leading to water damage, mold, and expensive repairs.

If you’re in Frisco, TX, it’s especially important to prep your home before temperatures drop.

Cold weather doesn’t just bring plumbing issues—it makes them worse.

A little preparation before winter can save you big headaches (and bills) later on.

Frozen Pipes: A Major Winter Threat

When winter hits Frisco, TX, frozen pipes can cause serious plumbing issues.

As water freezes inside pipes, it expands and builds pressure.

This pressure can lead to cracks or even burst pipes.

Even a small crack can leak gallons of water, damaging floors, walls, and your belongings.

How to Tell If Your Pipes Are Frozen

Catching frozen pipes early can save you from a huge mess.

Watch for these signs:

• No water comes out when you turn on the tap
• Frost forms on exposed pipes
• Weird noises like banging or gurgling when you run water
• Bad smells from drains because ice is blocking normal flow

Ignoring these signs can mean expensive repairs and water damage.

If you notice any of them, act fast.

Frozen pipes can happen fast—in just six to eight hours if temperatures drop below freezing.

If you go to bed while it’s cold outside, your pipes could freeze overnight.

If you think your pipes are frozen, don’t wait.

Taking quick action can stop a small problem from becoming a major plumbing issue.

Preventing and Fixing Frozen Pipes

When the temperature drops, exposed pipes can freeze and cause expensive damage.

Taking simple steps now can save you big trouble later.

Keep pipes warm by wrapping them in foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation.

This is especially important in garages, attics, and basements.

Insulating pipes also helps cut down on heat loss, making your home more energy efficient.

If a pipe freezes, thaw it safely.

Never use an open flame—it can damage the pipe or even start a fire.

Instead, use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to slowly heat the pipe.

If you can’t find the frozen spot or the pipe has already burst, it’s best to call a professional right away.

If frozen pipes are a recurring problem, try heat tape or raising the indoor temperature.

Keeping cabinet doors open in kitchens and bathrooms lets warm air reach the pipes, which can help prevent freezing.

If you’re dealing with plumbing issues like frozen or burst pipes, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Dallas, TX offers expert pipe repair in Frisco, TX.

Acting fast can prevent bigger problems, so don’t wait until a small issue turns into a costly repair.

Water Heater Problems in Winter

When winter hits, my water heater works harder than ever.

Cold water flows in, and my heater has to use extra energy to warm it up.

That means I run out of hot water faster, wait longer for it to heat back up, and sometimes, the system just gives out.

If my shower suddenly turns cold halfway through, I know my heater is struggling.

One big cause of plumbing issues is sediment buildup.

Over time, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a barrier between the heating element and water.

This makes the heater work harder, wastes energy, and leads to uneven water temperatures.

A professional can flush the tank to clear out the buildup, helping the heater run smoothly and last longer.

I also keep an eye out for warning signs like water temperature changes, strange popping or rumbling sounds, and leaks near the base.

If I notice any of these, I know it’s time to call a professional for maintenance before things get worse.

With freezing temperatures outside in Frisco, TX, I can’t afford to lose hot water.

A little upkeep now can save me from a big headache later.

Keeping Your Water Heater Ready for Winter

Winter puts extra stress on your water heater, and if you don’t take care of it, you might end up with icy showers when you least expect it.

One of the easiest but most important steps is flushing the tank to clear out built-up sediment.

Over time, minerals and debris settle in the bottom, making your heater work harder and less efficiently.

Flushing it helps heat water faster, saves energy, and extends the heater’s life.

Next, check the thermostat.

Cold water coming into the system makes your heater work extra hard.

Setting the thermostat between 120°F and 140°F keeps things running efficiently.

Too low, and you’ll run out of hot water fast—too high, and you risk burns.

Regular plumbing inspections help prevent winter breakdowns.

Leaks, rust, or worn-out parts often stay hidden until they cause big problems.

A pro can spot plumbing issues early and help you avoid costly repairs, so winter is a great time to get a check-up with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Frisco, TX.

A little maintenance now means reliable hot water all season.

Don’t wait until you’re shivering in the shower—get your water heater ready before winter hits.

Clogged Drains in Cold Weather

Cold weather makes plumbing issues even worse.

When temperatures drop, grease, oils, and food scraps harden in pipes, blocking water flow and causing stubborn clogs.

What washes away easily in warm weather can turn into a sticky mess when pipes are cold.

Another problem? We use more hot water in winter.

Longer showers and extra cooking during the holidays put more strain on drains, making clogs more likely.

The best way to avoid trouble is prevention.

Never pour grease, fat, or oil down the drain—they cool, harden, and trap food bits.

Instead, let them solidify in a container and toss them in the trash.

Also, running hot water after using the sink helps clear any leftover residue.

If your sink drains slowly, bubbles, or smells bad, it’s time for a professional cleaning.

The team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Frisco, TX can clear your pipes safely and effectively, so winter clogs don’t turn into expensive plumbing issues.

How to Handle Clogged Drains

Cold weather can turn small plumbing issues into big problems.

Grease, soap, and food harden faster in cooler pipes, leading to tough clogs.

If your sink or shower is draining slow, don’t wait—fix it before it gets worse.

Safe Ways to Clear a Clog

Skip chemical drain cleaners—they can damage pipes and only give a short-term fix.

A plunger can help with small clogs, while a drain snake works for tougher ones.

Running hot water with dish soap can break down grease safely.

If the clog is deep, professional drain cleaning can clear buildup inside your pipes.

When to Call a Pro

If plunging and snaking don’t work, or if you keep getting clogs, notice bad smells, or hear gurgling sounds, it’s time to call an expert.

Tough blockages could mean bigger problems like tree roots or sewer line damage.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, serving Frisco, TX, has the right tools to find and fix the issue fast, saving you from costly repairs.

Don’t let drainage troubles mess up your winter—take care of them before they get worse.

Burst Pipes and How to Handle Them

Winter can be rough on home water systems, and frozen pipes are a disaster waiting to happen.

When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls.

If that pressure gets too high, the pipe can burst, causing major water damage.

Pipes can freeze in as little as six to eight hours when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), so overnight freezing is a real risk.

Homeowners dealing with winter-related plumbing issues should take precautions to avoid these costly problems.

If a pipe bursts, act fast.

First, shut off the main water supply to stop the flooding.

Then, open faucets to release any leftover pressure.

If you can, use towels or buckets to contain the leak and limit the damage.

Quick action can prevent small plumbing issues from turning into big disasters.

Next, call an emergency plumber to inspect the problem and make repairs.

Hidden breaks behind walls or under floors require professional attention to ensure thorough repairs.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Frisco, TX offers emergency plumbing services, providing quick responses to protect your home from more harm.

Their expertise ensures all plumbing issues are handled promptly and professionally.

To prevent future bursts, insulate exposed pipes, seal off drafty areas, and keep indoor temperatures above 55°F—even if you’re away.

During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and lower the freezing risk.

A little preparation now can save you from expensive repairs and serious damage later.

Protecting Outdoor Plumbing in Freezing Temperatures

Winter can be tough on outdoor plumbing, and ignoring it might lead to pricey repairs.

Hose bibs, irrigation lines, and outdoor faucets are at high risk because they face the cold directly.

When the temperature drops, any water left inside can freeze, expand, and crack your pipes.

You might not notice a burst pipe right away, but once things warm up, you could end up with a flooded yard or even damage to your home’s foundation.

Draining outdoor lines before winter is the best way to avoid this mess.

Start by disconnecting and storing any garden hoses.

Leaving a hose attached traps water inside the spigot, making it more likely to freeze and break.

Next, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and irrigation systems, then open the faucets to drain any leftover water.

Adding foam covers to faucets can also help keep them from freezing.

If you have an irrigation system, consider a professional blowout service to clear any trapped water from underground pipes.

This ensures they don’t freeze and crack during winter.

A little effort now can save you from costly repairs when spring arrives.

If you think you’re dealing with plumbing issues, don’t wait for disaster to strike.

Plumbing issues related to freezing temperatures can escalate quickly, leading to major damage.

Shut off the water supply and call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Dallas, TX for emergency plumbing help in Frisco, TX.

Low Water Pressure in Winter

Winter often brings frustrating water pressure issues—slow faucets, weak showers, and little relief from the cold.

The freezing temperatures put extra stress on plumbing, and a few key factors could be causing the problem.

One big issue? Frozen pipes.

When the temperature drops, water inside pipes can freeze, especially in unheated areas like basements, garages, or exterior walls.

Even a partial freeze can slow water flow before a full freeze stops it completely.

A simple fix? Let faucets drip in extreme cold.

Moving water is much less likely to freeze and can help prevent major plumbing issues.

Another possible cause is sediment buildup in the water heater.

Over time, minerals collect inside the tank, reducing efficiency and restricting hot water flow.

A good way to prevent this? Flush the heater before winter starts to keep water pressure steady and avoid unnecessary plumbing issues.

Leaks outside your home can also be a problem.

If an underground pipe leading to an irrigation system or outdoor faucet cracks from freezing temperatures, it can lower pressure inside.

To prevent this, drain hoses and shut off outside water valves before winter sets in.

If your water pressure takes a big hit or doesn’t return to normal, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Frisco, TX.

A professional can find hidden leaks, frozen pipes, or other plumbing issues that need quick attention.

Why Routine Plumbing Inspections Matter

I know it’s easy to overlook plumbing issues until something goes wrong.

But regular system inspections can catch small problems before they turn into expensive emergencies.

In winter, pipes, water heaters, and drains work harder, which means a higher risk of frozen pipes, leaks, and clogs.

A quick check-up can make sure everything is ready for the cold months ahead.

Freezing temperatures can put a lot of stress on your pipes.

Even a tiny crack from expanding ice can quickly turn into a major leak.

An inspection helps spot weak pipe joints or poor insulation before they cause serious water damage.

Your water heater also works overtime in winter.

Sediment buildup in the tank can lower efficiency and shorten its lifespan.

A plumber can flush it out, set the thermostat for best performance, and check for early signs of wear and tear.

Cold weather also leads to more drain clogs, as grease and debris harden inside your pipes.

During an inspection, a plumber can check for blockages to keep drains flowing smoothly and prevent messy backups.

Safety is just as important.

If your pipes freeze, never try to thaw them with an open flame—that can cause major damage or even a fire.

A pro knows the right way to thaw them safely without putting your home at risk.

Scheduling an inspection with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Frisco, TX can help you avoid winter plumbing issues and give you peace of mind all season long.

Plumbing Issues FAQs

How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

If you turn on the faucet and no water comes out, or you see frost on exposed pipes, chances are they’re frozen. You might also hear gurgling or clanking when you try to use water—both signs of potential plumbing issues caused by freezing temperatures.

What should I do if my pipes freeze?

Turn off the main water supply right away to avoid a burst pipe, one of the most serious plumbing issues in winter. Then, use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to slowly thaw it. Never use an open flame—it can damage the pipe or even start a fire. If you’re dealing with recurring frozen pipes, it’s best to call a professional to prevent further plumbing issues.

Why is my water heater struggling in winter?

Cold water coming in makes your heater work harder to warm it up. Over time, sediment buildup can make things worse, so regular maintenance is important.

How can I keep my drains from clogging in winter?

Don’t pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain—they harden in cold pipes. Running hot water often and getting a professional drain cleaning can help keep things flowing.

When should I call a plumber for plumbing issues?

If you have frozen pipes, stubborn clogs, low water pressure, or a struggling water heater, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing near Frisco, TX before the problem gets worse.