Winter has a way of revealing plumbing problems that may have gone unnoticed the rest of the year. When homeowners start experiencing slow sinks, tubs, or floor drains, it’s often no coincidence. Between cold temperatures, heavier indoor water use, and extra strain on sewer lines, winter creates the perfect conditions for blockages to form or worsen. That’s why calls for drain cleaning in Cedar Rapids, IA often spike during the coldest months.
Grease Buildup Becomes a Bigger Problem
One of the biggest contributors to slow drains in winter is grease. Holiday cooking, comfort foods, and frequent use of the kitchen sink all mean more fats, oils, and grease going down the drain. While grease may seem harmless when it’s hot and liquid, it quickly cools and solidifies inside your pipes. Cold winter temperatures speed up this process, allowing grease to cling to pipe walls and trap other particles. Over time, a partial buildup can lead to slow drainage or a complete blockage.
Holiday Cooking Overloads Your Plumbing
Winter is filled with gatherings, celebrations, and family meals. With more people in the house, plumbing systems work overtime. Multiple loads of dishes, extra handwashing, and increased shower use all push more waste through your drains than usual. Food scraps, starches, coffee grounds, and other debris that might normally pass through can accumulate quickly when usage increases. If your drains were already partially restricted, the holidays can push them past their limit.
Cold Weather Puts Strain on Sewer Lines
Outdoor plumbing doesn’t get a break in winter either. Freezing temperatures cause soil to expand and contract, which can shift pipes and create misalignments or small cracks in sewer lines. Tree roots, which are always searching for moisture, may exploit these weaknesses. At the same time, heavier winter water usage sends more waste into lines that may already be compromised. The result is slower drains, recurring clogs, or even backups inside the home.
Why DIY Fixes Often Fall Short
Chemical drain cleaners might seem to offer temporary relief, but they won’t solve the underlying issue. In fact, these harsh chemicals can damage pipes, leaving a rough, corroded interior surface. This makes it even easier for plumbing clogs to accumulate and harder to clean them out next time.
The Power of Professional Jetting and Camera Inspections
This is where our expert team can help. High-powered jetting safely blasts away grease, sludge, and buildup inside your pipes, restoring full flow without damage. To ensure nothing is missed, camera inspections allow us to see exactly what’s happening inside your drains and sewer lines. We can identify grease buildup, root intrusion, pipe damage, or sagging sections before they turn into major emergencies.
Stay Ahead of Winter Drain Problems
Slow drains are more than an inconvenience—they’re an early warning sign. Addressing them promptly with professional drain cleaning, jetting, and camera inspections can help prevent messy backups and costly repairs later in the season. Our experienced team is ready to help keep your plumbing flowing smoothly all winter long.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.