What is the most common winter plumbing problem in Wichita?

Frozen and burst pipes are the most serious, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces, garages and attics, and on outdoor faucets. Water heater problems and clogged drains are close behind and happen frequently, less dependent on the deep freezes.

When should I winterize my plumbing in Wichita?

Before the first freeze. The National Weather Service's average first fall freeze for Wichita is October 25, so mid-October is a good target for insulating pipes with exterior touchpoints, draining hoses and inspecting your water heater.

What should I do if my pipes freeze or burst?

Shut off your main water valve immediately, open the faucets to relieve pressure, and call a licensed plumber. Don't use an open flame to thaw a pipe. A hair dryer is a safer way to warm a frozen line slowly, but often a cracked pipe may not show its challenges until the pipe has been thawed..

Are older homes in Riverside and College Hill more likely to have winter plumbing problems?

Older homes can be more prone to issues because of aging pipes, less insulation and older sewer lines, though it depends on the home and what's been updated. A plumbing inspection before winter can catch problems early.

Does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita charge extra for emergency calls at night or on holidays?

No. We're available 24/7 with no hourly overtime charges for nights, weekends or holidays!

Most Common Wichita Winter Plumbing Repairs

The Most Common Winter Plumbing Repairs in Wichita, KS

Ask anyone who lives here and they’ll tell you – Wichita winters can be unpredictable. Some weeks we’re in shorts,, and the next a cold front drops in overnight that sends shivers through your spine. That swing is hard on plumbing, and it's why we see the same handful of plumbing repairs every winter. Whether you live in an older home in Riverside or College Hill or a newer one in Derby, Andover or Maize, here's what to watch for.

1. Frozen and Burst Pipes

This is the big one. Water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can crack a pipe and cause major water damage once it thaws.

According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, the average first fall freeze (32°F) falls between Oct. 20-Nov. 4,, and the average last spring freeze is between April 5-14. WIth more than five months of possible freezing temperatures each year, Wichita homeowners have their work cut out for them for winter prep!

The pipes most at risk are the ones exposed to cold air:

Outdoor faucets and hose bibs
Pipes in crawl spaces, attics and unheated garages
Lines running along poorly insulated exterior walls
Sink plumbing on exterior walls

Older homes in Riverside and College Hill often have older plumbing and less insulation than newer construction, so exposed or aging pipes can be more vulnerable when temperatures plunge. In Derby, Andover and Maize, where many homes have garage-located water heaters and plumbing in exterior walls, garages and attached crawl spaces are common trouble spots.

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate exposed pipes and keep home temps consistent. See 8 Ways to prevent frozen pipes in our previous blog!

If a pipe freezes: shut off your main water valve right away and call a plumber. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.

2. Water Heater Problems

Your water heater works overtime in winter. Incoming water is colder, and everyone in the house takes longer, hotter showers. That extra demand exposes problems that may have been building for a while, particularly if you have an older unit. Warning signs that your unit is having issues include:

Lukewarm or inconsistent hot water
Rumbling or popping noises
Rusty-looking hot water
Puddles around the base of the tank

If your water heater is older than 5 years, it’s especially worth having it looked at before the cold weather swoops in.

3. Clogged Drains and Sewer Backups

Winter means holiday cooking, houseguests and more laundry, and all of it goes down the same drains. Grease, food scraps and heavy use can turn a slow drain into a full clog. In older parts of Wichita, aging sewer lines and tree roots can make main-line backups more likely. If more than one drain is slow or gurgling, the problem is probably the main line, not a single fixture. A camera inspection can show what's going on.

4. Garbage Disposal Jams

Holiday meals are also hard on garbage disposals. Fibrous foods, grease and too much at once can cause jams and clogs. If your disposal hums but won't spin, or keeps backing up into the sink, it's time for a professional look.

5. Dripping Faucets and Outdoor Spigots

A drip that seemed harmless in summer can turn into a bigger issue in winter. Outdoor spigots are a common place for small leaks to start, and a hose left connected can trap water and cause damage inside the wall. Disconnect and drain your hoses before the first freeze.

Quick Winter Plumbing Checklist

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
Know where your main water shut-off valve is and how to shut it off
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls during hard freezes
Let a faucet drip during extreme cold
Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when traveling
Have your water heater inspected before winter

When Winter Plumbing Emergencies Happen, We're Here 24/7

Plumbing emergencies don't wait for business hours. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing, and we never charge overtime for nights, weekends or holidays. We charge by the job, not by the hour, so our technicians can focus on fixing the problem the right way instead of watching the clock.

We serve homeowners in Wichita, Derby, Andover, Maize and the surrounding areas. Call or schedule online today, before the next cold snap.