Drains can seem to clog more in winter because cold pipes make grease harden faster, holiday cooking sends more fat and food down the kitchen sink, and more people are home using the plumbing at once. Outdoor drains can also freeze or fill with leaves and ice.
Grease Hardens in Cold Pipes
Fats and oils go down the drain warm and liquid. In winter, pipes that run along outside walls or through unheated spaces are colder, so grease cools and sticks to the pipe walls sooner. Each layer catches more food and soap until the drain slows. The problem can build quietly for weeks before anyone notices.
More Cooking and More Guests
Winter holidays mean big meals, baking, and lots of dishes. Turkey drippings, butter, gravy, and potato peels are common culprits. More guests also means more showers, more toilet use, and more laundry, all of which add strain to drains that may already be partly blocked.
Outdoor Drains and Vents
Snow and ice can block outdoor area drains and the end of downspout lines, so water may back up near doors and stairwells. Plumbing vents on the roof can also get covered by ice in very cold weather, which slows indoor drains and causes gurgling.
Ways to Prevent Winter Clogs
- Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it away
- Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing
- Run plenty of water with the garbage disposal
- Use strainers in sinks and tubs
- Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads during busy days
Hot water alone will not dissolve built-up grease. It only moves it a little further down the line before it cools again.
If a drain slows down during the season, getting the line cleared early can prevent a backup when the house is full. For drains near outside walls that clog often, you can have a plumber check the pipe layout at (833) 603-1840.