Winter places unique stress on plumbing systems. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and sudden thaws can trigger a range of plumbing emergencies. With preparation, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage and feel confident their home is protected when temperatures drop.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas are most vulnerable during winter. Use foam sleeves or insulation wrap to protect pipes in:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Exterior walls
• Attics

Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Avoid lowering your thermostat too much at night or while away. Pipes freeze faster when temperatures inside dip below 55 degrees.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

A slow drip keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup inside pipes, lowering the risk of freezing.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses attached can cause ice to form inside exterior faucets, leading to pipe bursts inside the wall.

Know How to Shut Off Your Water

If a pipe bursts, shutting off your main water supply immediately can prevent catastrophic damage. Ensure every household member knows where the valve is located.

Check Your Sump Pump

Pour water into the basin to confirm it activates properly. Winter thaws can overwhelm a failing pump.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

A plumber can spot vulnerabilities you might miss, such as weak pipe joints, minor leaks, and insulation gaps.

Final Thoughts

Winter plumbing emergencies are stressful, but preparation minimizes risks. With a few preventative steps and awareness of your plumbing system, you can protect your home from costly damage throughout the season.

The post Preparing for Winter Plumbing Emergencies: What Homeowners Should Know appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Plumbing emergencies can happen suddenly and often lead to costly repairs if not handled quickly. Understanding the most common emergencies helps you respond effectively and prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Burst Pipes

Cold weather, corrosion, and high water pressure are the leading causes of burst pipes. When pipes rupture, large amounts of water can flood your home in minutes. Insulation and pressure regulation prevent most pipe bursts.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Backups

Food waste, grease, hair, and debris frequently clog drains. Sewer line blockages—often caused by tree roots—can push wastewater back into your home, posing health and safety risks.

Water Heater Failures

Sediment buildup, failing heating elements, and old age cause water heaters to malfunction. Common symptoms include no hot water, strange noises, and leaks around the tank.

Overflowing Toilets

A blockage in the trap or drain line prevents toilets from flushing normally. When water has nowhere to go, it overflows quickly and can cause significant damage to flooring.

Leaking Fixtures and Pipes

Small leaks can escalate over time. Corrosion, loose connections, or worn gaskets are frequent culprits. Unnoticed leaks may lead to mold growth and structural damage.

Sump Pump Failures

When storms hit, a sump pump failure can result in basement flooding. Power outages, mechanical failure, or clogged discharge lines are typical causes.

Final Thoughts

Many plumbing emergencies are preventable with routine maintenance and early detection. Understanding the warning signs helps you act quickly before minor issues become major repairs.

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Leaving for vacation should give you peace of mind—not worry about what’s happening at home. Plumbing issues can occur unexpectedly, and even small leaks can cause significant damage when left unattended. Before you head out, taking a few preventative steps ensures your home stays safe and dry.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply

If you’ll be gone for more than a couple of days, shutting off your main water valve is the simplest way to prevent leaks and flooding. Without water pressure in the system, even failing pipes or loose fittings can’t cause damage.

If you prefer not to shut off the entire system, at least turn off water to appliances such as:

• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Toilets
• Outdoor spigots

Check for Existing Leaks

Inspect sinks, toilets, water heaters, and exposed pipes for moisture. Even a small drip can escalate into a major problem when no one is home to catch it.

Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

Most modern water heaters include a vacation or low-heat setting. This reduces energy use while still preventing freezing or bacterial growth.

If your heater does not have this feature, you can turn the temperature down manually.

Clear Your Garbage Disposal

Run cold water and the disposal for several seconds before leaving. A clean disposal prevents odors from developing while you’re away.

Inspect and Test Sump Pumps

If you have a sump pump, pour water into the basin to make sure it activates. A failing sump pump during rainfall can lead to basement flooding.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Leaving hoses connected can cause water to freeze in the faucet line, leading to pipe damage.

Final Thoughts

A quick plumbing check before traveling reduces the risk of water damage and ensures you return to a safe, dry home. Investing a few minutes now can save thousands of dollars in repairs later.

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A water heater pilot light going out is a common inconvenience, especially during colder months when gas systems work harder. Fortunately, relighting the pilot is usually a simple process—if done correctly and safely. Whether you have an older tank-style heater or a modern model with safety features, the following steps will help you restore hot water to your home quickly.

Why the Pilot Light Goes Out

Pilot lights may go out for several reasons:

• Drafts near the unit
• A dirty thermocouple
• Gas supply interruptions
• Faulty control valves
• Excess condensation in cold weather

Before relighting, always make sure there’s no lingering smell of gas—safety comes first.

Step 1: Locate the Instructions on the Tank

Most gas water heaters have a manufacturer’s label with relighting instructions. While the steps are similar across brands, details may vary slightly, so reviewing the label is always wise.

Step 2: Turn the Gas Control to “Off”

Turning the control to “Off” stops the flow of gas. Wait at least five minutes to allow any remaining gas to dissipate. This is a critical safety step.

Step 3: Switch to “Pilot” Mode

After waiting, turn the dial to “Pilot.” This setting allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light, which is necessary for ignition.

Step 4: Press and Hold the Pilot Button

Pressing the pilot button primes the thermocouple and prepares the pilot for lighting. Some newer models use an electronic ignition rather than an open flame, but the principle is similar.

Step 5: Press the Igniter or Use a Long Lighter

Many water heaters include a built-in igniter, often a small red button. Press it repeatedly until the pilot flame appears.
If your heater does not have an igniter, carefully use a long lighter to ignite the pilot while holding the pilot button down.

Step 6: Hold the Button for 20–30 Seconds

Once the flame lights, continue holding the pilot button for 20 to 30 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up. This ensures the pilot stays lit after the button is released.

Step 7: Turn the Dial to “On”

After confirming the pilot stays lit, turn the dial back to “On.” The burner should ignite shortly afterward, and hot water will begin heating again.

Safety Tips

• Never relight if you smell gas—leave the home and call a professional.
• Keep flammable materials away from the unit.
• If the pilot repeatedly goes out, a component may be failing.

Final Thoughts

Relighting a water heater pilot light is a manageable task for many homeowners, but safety should always be the top priority. If you’re uncomfortable or if the pilot continues to go out, a plumber can inspect the system and address underlying issues like faulty thermocouples or gas line problems. Professional service ensures reliable hot water and peace of mind.

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