5 Common Winter Plumbing Issues Every Homeowner Should Know

(And How to Dodge a Frosty Disaster)

Winter in Central Indiana has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute, you’re sipping hot cocoa, admiring the first snowflakes, and the next, you’re ankle-deep in water from a burst pipe. Winters in Indy bring their fair share of charm, but they also come with potential plumbing issues that can turn your cozy season into a soggy nightmare.

At All Pro Heating, Air, & Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to save your winter (and your pipes). Let’s talk about five common winter plumbing issues, how you can prevent them, and what to do if you find yourself in a plumbing pickle.

5 Common Winter Plumbing Issues (and How to Prevent Them)

1. Frozen Pipes: Winter’s Inevitable Troublemaker

Frozen pipes are the classic winter villain. When the temperatures drop, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and, well, things go boom. The result? A burst pipe and a whole lot of clean-up.

How to Avoid It:

Wrap exposed pipes with insulation, especially in unheated areas like basements or garages. Letting your faucet drip on freezing nights is also a smart move—it’s like keeping your plumbing in motion so it doesn’t seize up. Oh, and don’t forget to keep your thermostat steady. Your pipes aren’t fans of rollercoaster temperature changes.

If frozen pipes do strike, act fast by shutting off the water and thawing the pipe carefully with warm air. Hair dryers work great—flamethrowers, not so much.

2. Water Heater Overload: When Cozy Showers Are a No-Go

Your water heater works harder in the winter, and it’s not uncommon for it to throw in the towel just when you need it most. Cold showers in January? No, thank you.

How to Avoid It:

Schedule regular maintenance to keep your water heater running smoothly. Flushing out sediment build-up is a quick and easy way to make sure it’s not overworking itself. And while it’s tempting to crank the temperature, keeping it at 120°F is plenty warm while saving your system some stress.

If it does start acting up, you might notice inconsistent water temperatures or strange noises. When that happens, it’s time for a little TLC—and maybe an upgrade.

3. Clogged Drains: The Post-Holiday Hangover

Between holiday cooking and extra guests, your drains get more action in the winter than during the rest of the year combined. It’s like they’re hosting a party they didn’t sign up for, and grease, food scraps, and stray hair are all unwelcome guests.

How to Avoid It:

Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods like potato peels down the drain. Use drain screens to catch debris before it becomes a problem. And for good measure, pour a little boiling water down your drains weekly to keep things clear.

A clogged drain might start with slow drainage or that unmistakable gurgling sound. Address it early before it becomes the main event at your winter woes party.

4. Burst Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Winter’s Sneaky Saboteurs

An innocent garden hose left attached to your outdoor faucet can lead to big trouble when freezing weather rolls in. Trapped water expands as it freezes, causing faucets to burst and leaks to spring. The worst part? The damage can sneak inside your home, too.

How to Avoid It:

Before winter truly settles in, detach and drain your hoses and shut off the water to your outdoor faucets. Consider installing frost-proof spigots if you want extra peace of mind. And for an easy win, pick up a few inexpensive faucet covers to protect those outdoor fixtures.

If you hear dripping or notice moisture around your walls, it’s time to investigate. A burst faucet can escalate quickly, so don’t ignore it.

5. Septic System Slowdowns: The Dirty Side of Winter

If you rely on a septic system, winter can be a tough season. Freezing temperatures can slow bacterial activity, making your system less efficient. Worst-case scenario? A backup you definitely don’t want to deal with.

How to Avoid It:

Add insulation—straw or mulch works well—to keep the area above your septic system warm. Avoid overloading your system with heavy water usage during a freeze, and make sure it’s pumped and prepped before winter.

If things start to slow down (or smell funny), your system may be struggling. Handle it sooner rather than later to avoid a messy situation.

Keep Your Winter Plumbing Stress-Free

Winter plumbing issues can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way. From frozen pipes to clogged drains, the key is staying ahead of problems before they spiral out of control. And when life throws you a curveball (or a burst pipe), you don’t have to face it alone.

At All Pro Heating, Air, & Plumbing, we know winters in Indy can be brutal—but we’re always here to help. Whether it’s an emergency or routine maintenance, we’ve got the expertise to keep your home warm, dry, and problem-free.

Ready for Winter? We’ve Got Your Back.

Don’t let winter plumbing issues catch you off guard. Contact All Pro Heating, Air, & Plumbing today to schedule your winter plumbing check-up or to get fast, reliable service when you need it most. Call us at (463) 240-3355.

Stay cozy, Indy!