Our Company Blog

Winter Plumbing Tips

As we experience cooler temperatures, many find themselves wondering what they need to do to get their home ready for winter. If you’re looking to avoid stressful catastrophes and costly plumbing repair work, review some of the following guidelines. At Stadler Plumbing, our experts are qualified, experienced, and eager to set you up right with everything you need to have a safer and more comfortable holiday season.

Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most important steps you can take to prepare your plumbing for colder temperatures is to invest in insulation for your pipes. This especially goes for pipes that are in colder areas of the home, such as the garage, the attic, and the basement. You may even want to consider moving outdoor piping inside of the home, if time and funds allow.

Why is this such an essential step? Because if your pipes end up freezing, they will expand and experience a lot of excess pressure. They aren’t designed to take on wear and tear of this nature, which means they could easily burst, leaving you with all kinds of damage to address. Not only will you need to face expensive plumbing repairs, but you will also experience a lot of water damage throughout your home, especially if you aren’t home to address it right away

As a plumbing company based in Michigan, you can bet that we know what we’re doing when it comes to addressing and preventing frozen pipes. We have tips for keeping your plumbing functioning well all year long, and should you face frozen pipes, we can help you pick up the pieces. In every case, our team has your back!

Turn Off Outdoor Faucets

Another step we urge homeowners to take is turning off outdoor faucets, drain them, and store any hoses. These areas are prone to freeze, as well, and can cause damage both inside and outside of your home. Along with this, hoses that are left out may still contain water which could wind up freezing and damaging them. It’s a lot more affordable to store them somewhere warm for a few months then go through the hassle of buying a new ones come spring.

Have Your Water Heater Inspected

Your water heater has to work extra hard in the wintertime. The outdoor weather is constantly cooling down your pipes and water supply, so your heater has to put in some overtime to ensure your water stays at a warm and comfortable temperature. Because of this, it would be a good idea to have it inspected and to invest in any necessary repair work for the system, as well.

Think a new water heater may be in order? Here are some signs to watch out for:

Rumbling Noises: If you’ve been hearing rumbling or clanking noises from your tank, then there is likely a lot of sediment that has built up and hardened inside of it. This causes the appliance to function less efficiently, and it could easily lead to damages and leaks, as well.
Old Age: Have you had your water heater for over 10 years? If you have an older model installed, this is likely as long as they will last, and if you haven’t started experiencing issues yet, you probably will soon. Consider investing in a replacement before the cold season begins.
Rusty Water: If your water is continuously rusty, then there is likely rust building up inside of your water heater. Ask a professional to check things over, though, because it could be rusty pipes causing the issue.
Leaks & Excess Moisture: If you notice water or moisture surrounding your water heater, then there may be damages present that needs addressing. If too many fractures or cracks have formed, replacing the unit may be your best option.

Invest In Leak Repair Services

Never put off leak repair services, especially now when your pipes are especially prone to experience damage. The last thing anyone wants during the holiday season is a plumbing mess on their hands, and it can be extra difficult to deal with these issues amidst snow and freezing temperatures. Get everything taken care of now, so you can rest easy throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Experiencing A Cold Snap?

If temperatures drop especially low, there are some things to keep in mind throughout this time. First of all open kitchen and bathroom cabinets, to ensure your pipes have access to the warmer temperatures throughout your home. It’s also wise to keep a small trickle of water running from your faucet, so that the water in your pipes has little opportunity to freeze.

Always leave your heat on and above 55 degrees, even if you’re leaving the home, and be sure to keep your garage door closed. All of these things could make the difference in keeping your plumbing intact.

Locate Your Shut Off Valve

Knowing where the shut-off valve for your water supply is can save you a lot of stress and expense should an unfortunate accident occur. If water is leaking into your home, the sooner you can shut everything down, the less damage you will wind up facing. Don’t waste valuable minutes searching after a pipe has burst… rather, find it now, so you know exactly where to go when disaster strikes.

Not Sure Where To Start?

If you aren’t sure where to start or what steps to take with your plumbing as we move into the winter months, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. At Stadler Plumbing, we have the training, the tools, and the expertise to set you up, and we know exactly what to look for.

Don’t put it off – reach out today, and we can get started!

How To Know If Your Sewer Is Backed Up

Concerned about your home’s plumbing system? If your drains aren’t working properly, it won’t be long before you start facing bigger issues and, before you know it, you’ll have a big mess on your hands. You could save yourself a lot of time, stress, and expense by keeping an eye out for common signs of sewer problems and by having them tackled by a team of professional plumbers before things get worse.

We’ve brought up a few things for you to watch out for. If you find yourself answering yes to any of the following questions, reach out to the Stadler Plumbing team today!

Are Your Drains Backing Up?

If multiple drains throughout your household are backing up, or if you find water coming up through your shower drain every time you flush your toilet, then it’s time to reach out to an expert for some help. One plumber compared your system to a tree, with the main sewer line being the trunk. If that portion is experiencing a problem, the rest of the branches (or drains) will start experiencing issues, as well.

Is Sewage Coming Up Through Your Floor Drain?

The floor drains in your basement will eventually start pumping out water and sewage if your main line is backed up. If the water in your home can’t escape out like it is supposed to, it will simply turned around and come back up this way. Soon, you’ll be left with a big, smelly mess, which no one wants to deal with. You’re always better off addressing the problem sooner, rather than later.

Does Your Toilet Gurgle?

If you’ve been hearing some strange gurgling noises from your toilet, or if you’ve noticed it bubble from time to time, then your main line definitely needs some attention. This is actually one of the first signs that you’re experiencing an issue, so don’t hesitate to get professional care. The sooner you act, the less likely you’ll experience sewage backing up into your home.

Are Your Drains Moving Slowly?

Does it take forever for your sink or bathtub to drain out water? You probably have a big clog, or you could have tree roots interfering with your pipes ability to function efficiently. Either way, getting a licensed technician on the job is a must! Even if you haven’t already noticed an issue, filling up the sink and observing how slowly or quickly it drains now and then is a good idea. That way, you’ll always know where you’re at, and you can try to note any warning signs early on.

Don’t Wait To Give Us A Call!

If your main sewer backs up, you could find yourself with ruined carpet and belongings. Don’t wait until it is too late. Now that you know some common warning signs you can alert our qualified crew at the first sign of trouble! Reach out today.