Winter in Edmonton brings snow, icy temperatures, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. But it also brings plumbing challenges — a small clog in your drains can quickly turn into a disaster when temperatures plummet.
Avoiding these issues isn’t hard—if you know the right steps. Let’s walk through crucial winter drain cleaning practices to keep your plumbing in top shape during Canada’s coldest months.
If you don’t keep up with routine maintenance, winter can take a toll on your plumbing. Drain cleaning services in Edmonton can help you avoid unexpected blockages, frozen pipes, and costly emergencies. Whether it’s your kitchen sink or basement drains and preparation is key to a stress-free winter.
Why Winter Makes Drains Vulnerable
When the temperature drops, the water sitting in pipes or drains can freeze, expanding and causing blockages leading to burst pipes, sewage backups, or costly repairs.
You don’t want to wake up on a freezing morning to find your kitchen sink blocked by frozen grease! A little maintenance now can help prevent those icy headaches later. Let’s explore the most effective ways to protect your drains this winter.
1. Flush Drains With Hot Water Regularly
Cold weather can cause residues—like grease or soap—to harden quickly increasing the chance of blockages.
To avoid clogs, flush your kitchen and bathroom drains with hot water weekly. This helps clear any build-up and ensures smooth drainage. For kitchen sinks, it’s best to follow up the hot water flush with a few drops of dish soap to break down lingering grease.
2. Keep Outdoor Drains Clear Before Snowfall
Outdoor drains often get clogged by autumn leaves, debris, or dirt. If they aren’t cleaned before winter, water trapped inside can freeze and block the drainage path.
Make it a habit to inspect outdoor drains and gutters before the first snowfall. Use a garden hose to rinse out debris or better yet hire drain cleaning services in Edmonton for a thorough clean.
3. Use Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners may seem convenient but they can worsen problems during winter. Some chemicals freeze or corrode pipes leading to leaks. Opt for natural alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar.
Simply pour half a cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover it for about 30 minutes then flush it with boiling water, this method helps break down grease, soap scum, and minor clogs naturally.
4. Protect Basement Drains And Sump Pump Lines
Basement drains and sump pumps are essential for preventing flooding during snowmelt. However, these can freeze and malfunction in winter if not maintained properly.
Ensure the sump pump drain lines are insulated and free of blockages. Test your sump pump before heavy snow arrives to confirm it’s working well. If needed, schedule professional drain cleaning services to prepare it for the season.
5. Address Slow Drains Before They Freeze
A slow drain may seem like a small issue but in winter, it can become much worse. Water that lingers in slow-moving drains can freeze causing blockages.
If you notice water draining slowly, don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem. Use a drain snake or call your local drain cleaning services in Edmonton for a quick fix. It’s better to tackle the issue now than deal with frozen pipes later.
6. Avoid Pouring Grease Or Oils Down The Drain
In winter, grease and oils solidify faster making them a major cause of clogs. Even warm grease that seems to flow easily will cool and harden inside cold pipes restricting water flow.
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a disposable container and throw it in the garbage. If any grease does accidentally go down the sink, immediately flush it with hot water and dish soap.
7. Use Non-Corrosive De-Icers On Outdoor Drains
Ice build-up around outdoor drains can block water flow and cause backups. Traditional salt-based de-icers can corrode pipes, so it’s best to use non-corrosive alternatives designed for plumbing systems.
This simple step ensures that melted snow drains properly preventing ice dams and flooding.
8. Test Plumbing Fixtures To Prevent Surprise Issues
Before the coldest months hit, it’s wise to check all faucets, toilets, and drains. Make sure everything is working properly and that water flows smoothly. Even minor leaks or clogs can turn into major issues when temperatures drop.
Testing now gives you time to call drain cleaning services in Edmonton before winter problems arise.
Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas: Your Winter Drain Care Experts
Winter in Edmonton can be harsh, but your drains don’t have to suffer. At Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas, we specialize in keeping your plumbing running smoothly year-round. From emergency drain cleaning to sump pump maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
Our licensed plumbers offer professional and timely services to prevent winter clogs, frozen drains, and sewer backups. Don’t let winter catch you off guard—trust Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas for reliable drain cleaning services in Edmonton.
So, contact us today and ensure your drains are winter-ready!