If you’ve noticed your sinks draining more slowly or your shower backing up more often during winter, you’re not imagining it. Cold weather can make existing drain issues worse, turning minor clogs into frustrating plumbing problems seemingly overnight.
Winter puts extra stress on your plumbing system, especially your drains. Understanding why this happens can help you avoid costly backups and emergency repairs.
Why Drains Act Up More in Cold Weather
Winter creates the perfect conditions for drain problems, even in homes that don’t normally have issues.
Grease and fats harden faster
Cooking grease that might normally flow through your pipes can solidify much more quickly in cold temperatures, sticking to pipe walls and trapping debris.
Pipes contract as temperatures drop
Cold weather causes pipes to slightly contract, reducing flow space and making it easier for buildup to catch and grow.
More indoor water use
With everyone spending more time inside, drains are used more frequently. Laundry, dishes, showers, and holiday hosting all add up.
Existing buildup gets worse
Small clogs that were barely noticeable in warmer months often become major problems once winter sets in.
Signs a Slow Drain Is Turning Into a Bigger Problem
A slow drain is often the first warning sign. Watch for these red flags that indicate a deeper issue:
- Multiple drains are slowing down at the same time
- Gurgling sounds coming from sinks or toilets
- Water backing up in tubs or showers
- Sewer or musty odors inside the home
- Repeated clogs that return quickly after clearing
If more than one drain is affected, the issue may be in your main drain line.
Why Store-Bought Drain Cleaners Can Make Winter Clogs Worse
Chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they often do more harm than good.
In winter, grease and debris are already hardened inside pipes. Harsh chemicals can sit on top of the clog without fully clearing it, while also damaging older plumbing, softening PVC, or corroding metal pipes.
Even worse, these products rarely remove buildup along the pipe walls, which means the clog usually comes back, often worse than before.
When It’s Time for Professional Drain Cleaning
If you’re dealing with slow drains, recurring clogs, or backups, professional drain cleaning is the safest and most effective solution.
Professional cleaning doesn’t just punch a hole through a clog. It clears buildup throughout the pipe, restoring proper flow and helping prevent future issues.
This is especially important during winter, when plumbing problems can escalate quickly and cause water damage.
How JB Plumbing Handles Winter Drain Issues
JB Plumbing takes a preventative, whole-system approach to drain cleaning.
Our team uses professional equipment to safely remove grease, debris, and buildup from your drains, addressing the root cause of the problem rather than providing a temporary fix.
By inspecting how your entire drain system is flowing, we help homeowners avoid repeat issues and unexpected winter emergencies.
Don’t Wait for a Full Backup
A slow drain today can turn into a major plumbing emergency tomorrow, especially during winter.
If your drains are draining slowly or clogging repeatedly, JB Plumbing is here to help. Our professional drain cleaning services restore proper flow and give you peace of mind during the coldest months.
Call 610-621-3452 or contact us today to schedule service.
