Can Sewer Pipes Freeze In Winters? Common Winter Plumbing Problems In Novato

When temperatures drop unexpectedly, plumbing systems in Novato residences can cause trouble. Most of the time, homeowners don’t realize that even relatively mild winter temperatures in Marin County can wreak havoc on pipes if they are not properly insulated. Any standing water in a pipe can solidify once the temperature dips below 32°F. Main sewer lines are usually buried deep and warmed by flowing water, so they rarely ice up. But roof drains, clean-out pipes, vents, or even floor drains can freeze if left idle. Water expands about 9% when it freezes, exerting tremendous pressure on the pipe. Even strong PVC or copper will crack under that stress. Unfortunately, this damage can become a plumbing emergency, as frozen pipes can quickly burst, flooding your home and causing expensive water damage.

With these potential risks, it is important to understand why plumbing fails in cold weather, how to prevent frozen pipes, and what steps you can take to avoid costly repairs. In this blog, we are going to break down the causes of plumbing failure during winter, share some prevention tips, and also explain how you can protect your home during winter in Novato. 

Common Winter Plumbing Issues And What To Do About Them

Frozen Sewer Pipes

A frozen sewer pipe means water and waste can not flow out, and it leads to backups and burst lines. Sewers are usually buried below the frost line, but exposed pipes or poorly insulated segments of them can freeze. Some of the common signs of frozen sewer pipes are gurgling noises, foul odor, or no water flow at faucets. 

Here are a few ways you can prevent frozen sewer pipes:

• Insulate any exposed sewer or drain pipes with foam sleeves or wrap heat tape around them. 
• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold weather, as moving water is less likely to freeze. 
• Close or cover basement and crawlspace vents to keep cold air out of areas with plumbing. 
• Keep your thermostat above 55°F to help protect interior plumbing from freezing, even when you are away. 

If a pipe freezes and cracks, locate the main shut-off valve, turn off the water quickly, and call for emergency plumbing services. Even when thawing frozen pipes, start at the faucet and warm towards the frozen section, and never use open flames.

Burst Pipes

When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and can burst the pipe. A burst pipe can lead to a sudden flood of water and cause extensive water damage. Burst pipes often occur in exposed locations like unheated basements or crawlspaces, or in rigid copper or steel pipes during a hard freeze. 

Here are a few ways you can prevent pipes from bursting:

• First of all, if you suspect a frozen line, immediately shut off the main water valve to stop the supply and open all faucets to relieve pressure. This will help you prevent a hidden crack from turning into a gusher. 
• Properly insulate interior walls, attics, and basements. The best defense against winter burst is adding foam or fiberglass insulation around plumbing
• Install pressure-relief valves in vulnerable areas to remove the pressure build-up automatically. 

If a pipe has already burst, call a professional plumber immediately to replace the damaged section. 

Clogged Drains

Clogged or slow drains are a common winter headache. Falling leaves, debris, and heavier indoor usage during the holidays can lead to slow-moving or stopped-up drains. In cold weather, greasy fats, coffee grounds, and soap scum can congeal inside pipes, forming stubborn blockages. Outdoor drains like downspouts and yard drains are also vulnerable, as leaves and pine needles can pile up and cause rainwater backups.

Here are a few ways you can prevent drains from clogging: 

• Clean gutters, outdoor drains, and storm drains of leaves and grit before heavy winter rains, regularly. This will prevent surface flooding and sewer backup into your home.
• Place mesh screens or drain covers on sinks, tubs, and shower drains to catch hair, food scraps, and other solids. Empty them after each use.
• Periodically flush drains with hot water (not boiling water). For kitchen sinks, running hot water after disposal use can help carry oil and grease through the system instead of sticking to the pipe walls.
• For minor clogs, you can pour a mixture of ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar down the drain, let it fizz for 15–30 minutes, then flush with hot water. A sink plunger or hand-crank drain snake can also clear many obstructions.

If there are stubborn clogs or main sewer line backups, call for professional sewer line cleaning and hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away grease, roots, and sludge that cause blockages. Regular maintenance can keep winter drains flowing freely.

Water Heater Failure

The cold water and high hot-water demand during winters put extra strain on water heaters. When incoming water is colder, heaters must work harder and can overheat or fail. Hard water can cause sediment build-up in the tank, making heating less efficient. Common winter water heater issues are running out of hot water quickly, noisy operation, or pilot light problems.

Here are a few ways you can prevent your water heater from malfunctioning:

• Drain and flush your tanked water heater at least once a year to remove mineral sediment. This maintains efficiency and extends the heater’s life.
• Inspect around the base for drips or pooling water. A leaky heater is a sign of internal corrosion or a failing temperature-pressure valve, and you must repair it immediately.
• Make sure the thermostat is set to an efficient temperature of around 120°F. Higher settings can wear the heater out faster and waste energy.
• If your water heater is more than a couple of years old, wrap it in an insulating blanket. This helps maintain temperature and reduces freeze risk in cold spaces. Also, insulate the first few feet of hot and cold pipes leaving the heater.

If the heater struggles to keep up and produces noises like popping or rumbling, or has fluctuating water temperature, call a plumber for service. A professional can replace faulty parts or recommend an upgrade to a larger or more efficient model if needed.

Well-maintained water heaters deliver reliable hot water even under winter stress. Simple homeowner maintenance, like flushing and insulating, prevents many common issues and also keeps utility bills down.

Leaky Faucets

A dripping faucet might seem minor, but leaks can quickly waste gallons of water and become major headaches. Cold temperatures can worsen leaking fixtures, and standing drips may freeze into ice. Even a small leak wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. Leaks can also indicate underlying pipe or valve corrosion, which winter cold can exacerbate.

Here are a few methods you can implement to prevent faucets from leaking: 

• A faucet leak is often due to worn washers or O-rings. Turn off the water supply under the sink and replace any damaged seals or cartridges. Many homeowners can tackle a simple faucet fix with a repair kit from a hardware store.
• If an exterior faucet or laundry hookup is leaking, make sure the inside shut-off valve is fully closed during the winter. Drain the line after shutting off.
• When you first use outdoor or rarely-used faucets in spring, inspect them closely. If you hear water rushing inside the wall or see low pressure, a hose bibb may have frozen and cracked the interior line.
• If your faucets are very old or constantly leaking, replace them. Installing newer and more reliable faucets or frost-proof spigots for outdoor bibs can save water and hassle.

If you are suffering from persistent pipe leaks, especially behind walls or under slabs, you may require professional leak detection. Leak-detection expertise can help locate hidden drips and fix them before they cause damage. Early leak repair saves water and prevents mold and wood rot.

Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps can suffer from damage as the discharge line can freeze solid in icy weather, or storms can knock out power just when water levels rise. If a pump fails, even a few hours of rain can cause flooding, damaged belongings, and costly repairs.

Here are a few ways to prevent sump pump failure: 

• Wrap exposed discharge pipes with foam or heat tape to prevent freezing. Burying the last few feet of discharge pipe below frost level can also help.
• Install a battery backup or generator for your pump. This makes sure the pump runs during power outages caused by winter storms. Without backup power, a sump pump is useless when you need it most.
• Before the rainy season, test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Confirm it turns on and discharges normally.
• Remove any debris or sediment from the sump pit. Check the float switch and impeller for smooth operation. Check for unusual noises like grinding or rattling that signal wear.

If the pump runs continuously or never turns off, the float switch or check valve may be stuck. Furthermore, if there is rust or corrosion on the pump motor,  it’s time to replace it. In these cases, call residential plumbing services for sump-pump repair or replacement to prevent basement flooding. 

Clogged Kitchen Drains

Grease and oil that might wash down the sink in summer can congeal when it hits cold pipes, creating stubborn kitchen clogs. Leftover food scraps and increased cooking at home (holiday meals, parties) also contribute to blockages.

Here are a few ways you can prevent clogged kitchen drains:

• Wipe grease and oil from pans into the trash before washing. Solid fats will harden in winter pipes and are a top cause of kitchen clogs.
• Always use a fine-mesh strainer or garbage disposal to catch food bits and prevent them from entering the plumbing. Empty and clean the strainer after each use.
• After using the sink, flush it with several minutes of hot (not boiling) water to help dissolve any fat on the walls of the pipes.
• For minor slowdowns, pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain, then ½ cup vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat weekly during heavy use.

If the kitchen sink regularly clogs or drains slowly, even after DIY fixes, schedule a professional drain cleaning for a permanent solution. Sewer line inspections and hydro-jetting can help remove deep-seated grease and debris, restoring full flow.

Poor Water Pressure

Sudden low water pressure in faucets or showers can be especially frustrating in winter. In many cases, it can be due to a leak, a partially closed valve, or a blockage. Winter cold can sometimes allow a partially frozen pipe or air pocket to impede flow. Other common causes include clogged faucet aerators or a failing pressure regulator.

Here are a few ways you can fix poor water pressure:

• If only one faucet is weak, remove and clean the aerator. Mineral buildup is a frequent culprit and can often be cleaned easily.
• Make sure all under-sink and meter valves are fully open. A partially closed valve will restrict flow.
• Sediment can also accumulate in older water heaters. Flush the hot water tap for a couple of minutes to clear any gunk that might be reaching your taps.
• If you have a water softener or filter system, a clogged cartridge can reduce pressure. Check and replace filter media. 

If low pressure is house-wide, it could be a water main issue or regulator failure. Faulty regulators or corroded piping often require professional attention from someone who can diagnose these issues and restore proper flow throughout your home.

Condensation On Pipes

Oddly, the winter itself can create moisture problems inside the home. “Sweating” or condensation on cold water pipes occurs when warm indoor air meets a cooler pipe surface. This is common in basements, kitchens, or laundry rooms where cold supply pipes run. The condensed water drips off the pipe, potentially causing water damage, mold growth, or slippery floors.

Here are a few ways to fix it:

• Insulate the affected pipe runs. Slip-on foam pipe insulation or pre-slit rubber sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install yourself. Insulating creates a thermal barrier so warm air can’t condense on the pipe.
• Use exhaust fans or dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens to reduce indoor humidity. Lower humidity means less condensation overall.
• Make sure bathrooms and kitchens exhaust to the outside. Keeping vents clear helps prevent moisture buildup around piping.

Professional Winter Plumbing Support in Novato 

Winter plumbing woes can range from minor annoyances to emergencies. Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle them alone. John Owens Services, Inc. is a full-service plumbing company serving all of Sonoma and Marin counties from Petaluma and Santa Rosa through San Rafael, Mill Valley, and beyond. With over 35 years of experience, John Owens provides outstanding service.  Whether you need a routine drain cleaning, leak detection, pipe repair/installation, or 24/7 emergency plumbing service, our trained plumbers are ready to help.

Don’t let winter plumbing issues escalate. Reach out to John Owens Services to keep your drains flowing, pipes intact, and water hot when you need it most. Call or schedule a service online now to have an expert plumber on your side and protect your home through the winter.