When cold weather arrives, most Georgia homeowners don’t think twice about their plumbing. After all, frozen pipes are rare in our region. But even though freezing temperatures aren’t common, winter weather in Georgia can still create several plumbing problems that lead to leaks, clogs, or costly repairs.
At Go Rapid Inc., we’ve helped homeowners across the Newnan area protect their plumbing during cooler months. With a few simple precautions, you can keep your system working properly all season long.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Rare in Georgia
Georgia’s winters are mild compared to northern states, which means full pipe freezes don’t happen often. However, short cold snaps can still damage exposed or poorly insulated plumbing.
Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, or outdoor walls can experience partial freezing during overnight temperature drops. When this happens, water pressure builds up inside the pipe, which can lead to cracks or leaks once it thaws.
If you live in an older home or one with limited insulation, it’s still a good idea to protect your pipes when temperatures fall below freezing.
Common Plumbing Issues During a Georgia Winter
Even if your pipes don’t freeze, colder weather can still affect your plumbing system in other ways. Here are a few common issues our team often sees during the winter months:
1. Water Heater Strain
Your water heater works harder in the winter to deliver hot water. When the incoming water temperature drops, the system must use more energy to heat it. This can lead to longer heating times, uneven water temperature, or even system failure if your water heater is aging.
Regular maintenance and flushing the tank before winter can help prevent strain and keep your water heater running efficiently.
2. Slower Drains and Partial Clogs
Cold weather can cause grease, oil, and soap residue to harden inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup leads to slow drains and backups. Avoid pouring grease down the drain, and consider scheduling a professional drain cleaning before the holidays to keep your plumbing clear.
3. Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Hose bibs and outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable to temperature drops. Even a small amount of trapped water can freeze and expand, causing cracks. Always disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets during cold spells.
4. Increased Water Pressure Fluctuations
As temperatures shift, your pipes expand and contract slightly. These small changes can affect water pressure, especially if your system already has minor leaks or loose connections. Monitoring your pressure and fixing leaks early helps prevent bigger issues later.
Plumbing Tips for Winter in Georgia
Keeping your plumbing system safe during cooler months doesn’t have to be complicated. A few preventative steps can make a big difference.
Here are our top plumbing tips for winter:
- Insulate exposed pipes. Use foam sleeves or wraps for pipes in unheated spaces like crawl spaces and garages.
- Keep a steady indoor temperature. Even when you’re away, maintain at least 55°F indoors to prevent partial freezing.
- Check your water heater. Flush sediment buildup and test the pressure relief valve before peak usage months.
- Seal gaps around pipes. Close any openings where cold air can enter walls or foundations.
- Schedule a plumbing inspection. A professional plumber can spot small leaks and recommend seasonal maintenance before problems occur.
Following these simple steps helps protect your system, conserve energy, and reduce the risk of costly winter repairs.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Even minor plumbing issues can worsen during cold weather. If you see slow drains, changes in water pressure, or less hot water, call a professional plumber.
At Go Rapid Inc., we provide reliable plumbing inspections, repairs, and maintenance services to keep your system working smoothly all winter. Our licensed plumbers are trained to find and fix problems before they lead to damage.
Keep Your Plumbing Safe This Winter
Cold snaps may not last long in Georgia, but they can still affect your home’s plumbing. Taking a few preventive steps now will help you avoid problems later.
Whether you need a quick inspection, a water heater tune-up, or a drain cleaning, Go Rapid Inc. is ready to help. We serve Newnan and the surrounding areas with professional, dependable plumbing services year-round.Call (770) 883-3997 today or schedule your service online. Let our local team help you protect your plumbing system this winter and beyond.