Water Quality

How Winter Affects Your Plumbing and Water Quality

When the weather turns colder, your home’s plumbing and water quality systems require attention. The winter weather affects your plumbing and water system, causing problems like frozen pipes and hard water issues. Let’s understand in greater detail how cold weather impacts your plumbing.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Plumbing

During the winter season, one of the biggest problems that occur in plumbing is frozen pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes also freezes and expands. This can result in issues like cracked and burst pipes, which can cause serious water damage and costly repairs. Pipes in areas such as basements, attics and small spaces are particularly vulnerable and prone to such issues.

Hard Water Issues Worsen in Winter

Winters typically worsen hard water problems, as minerals like calcium and magnesium that are present in hard water cause build-up inside pipes and appliances. When temperatures drop below zero, water becomes less effective at dissolving these minerals, causing them to build up more quickly and leading to scaling in your pipes, water heaters and electrical appliances. This scaling restricts water flow, reduces efficiency and leads to blockages.

Hard water also puts more strain on electrical appliances like water heaters and washing machines, causing them to work harder and consume more energy. Over time, this can result in increased energy bills and reduce the lifespan of your appliances. Hard water can also cause soap scum to build-up on your dishes, sinks, showers and other bathroom surfaces. It can even leave your skin feeling dry and irritated and hair feeling rough and dull.

Tips for Winterizing Your Plumbing

Here are some tips to keep your plumbing in excellent shape during winter:

1. Insulate Your Pipes – You can use foam sleeves or heat tape on pipes in areas that are prone to freezing like basements, attics and garages.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks – Look out for any gaps near windows and doors that could let in cold air. Sealing these cracks helps prevent freezing in your pipes.

3. Keep the Heat On – Even when you are not at home, you should not turn off your heating completely. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to prevent your pipes from freezing.

4. Let Faucets Drip – On nights that are extremely cold, keep a bucket below the faucet and let it drip to keep water moving and reduce the chances of freezing.

How a Water Treatment System Can Help

A water treatment system, such as a water softener, can help reduce the effects of hard water, especially during the winter months. These advanced systems remove excess minerals from your water, protecting your pipes and water heater and lowering your energy bills by making appliances run more efficiently. 

Invest in a high-quality water treatment system today by contacting CGC Water. Our skilled team will assist you in choosing the right water system for your home based on your specific water needs. Get in touch with our Plumbing Company in Ann Arbor, MI to elevate your home’s water quality.ty.

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Joseph Morin was my installation technician, and what a hard working young man. Despite the 96 degree Florida weather, Joe did an outstanding job installing my new water softener system. The main water line enters my home at the opposite end from the garage, requiring an outside insulation. Joe worked 5.5 hours nonstop in direct sunlight to get the job done. 5 star treatment.

Joseph M. was the technician that installed my water softener system. In the 96° Florida weather, Joe worked 5 1/2 hours nonstop to get my system installed properly. The main waterline which enters my home at the opposite end from the garage required an outside installation of the softener unit. Outstanding workmanship and an outstanding system. Five star treatment.

Highly recommend CGC. Joseph contacted me when he would arrive, explained everything about the Kinetico install and maintenance and cleaned up the area perfectly. He also took care of another problem that was not part of the scheduled service call. Will definitely use them again.

Quick install, very professional. I would highly recommend this company. They have done a lot of work for us, great service...

Shane was prompt and Courteous. A Pleasure to work with. CGC is where we turn for all our water needs.

I have 1 well servicing 2 households and CGC keeps salt in my softener every month. And keeps me up and running if there are any issues. Highly recommend for plumbing and water quality services.

Retired from retail it's all about customer service..He did an awesome job..thank you!

Dan the service tech was very professional and friendly. All the employees we have had to our home we have had confidence in.

Jordan always takes time to explain each step and make sure I understand options. He answers questions truthfully and helps me prepare for issues that may arise in the future so I can be financially prepared. He is also very skilled at solving issues that arise.

Friendly,& gets the job done quickly,we recommend CGC Always good to know there's help not far away,thank you!!

Thourough and knowledgeable, these people have always done well since the install.

This is the 2nd home CGC has installed a water softener system, neutralizer, and Kinetico RO drinking water. The previous week we met with, Caleb at our home, at 8:15am, a trainee that was not done training, and boss man Jonathan called at 8:20am and had him to leave so Jonathan could answer our call. Jonathan arrived at 9am and we started the CGC visit over for the 2nd time. At this time we committed to purchasing the system. Jonathan scheduled our install for one week later, with an 8-noon install. We were under the impression he would be our installer. Jonathan also serviced our other home a month earlier. August 10th I received a text to confirm our scheduled appointment for Tuesday August 11th, 8-noon. I responded to the text and confirmed the appointment. I arrived on site at 8am, ready for a 8-noon install, no one showed up or call me. At 12:30pm I called to confirm our tech was still coming, and that he was ok. The office couldn’t reach the tech by phone, so at this point no guarantee. After the 2nd call to the CGC office, I was told he was going to be late, arriving at 2;45pm. At this point I felt angry that no one from CGC contacted me to let me know the new tech Caleb was sick and no coming for our installation. Horrible communication from CGC, and not a pleasant experience trying to determine what was going on. Austin arrived at 2:45pm, was a pleasure to work with and did a great job on the installation. At 8:30 pm, he completed the installation, a 12.5 hour day to have CGC to complete their commitment. How would CGC feel if they were treated how I was? Why couldn’t they call me to let me know they were going to be late? What is their protocol when an employee is sick. CGC angered me, leaving me feeling taken advantage of, after taking off from work to oversee the installation that was scheduled a week in advance, and approved the day before. Again, how would you feel if you were treated this way.

Charles did a great job troubleshooting our water softener issue. He was very through. Helped provide options to update the system.

As always Jason professional and helpful. As asset to your company.

Shane is a great asset to the team. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great customer service and will most definitely recommend him next time I need service from CGC Home Services. Thanks again Shane!

Charles at CGC water treatment was professional and very kind. Thank you for your promptness, honesty & kindness.

We purchased our own reverse osmosis system, and called this company to install it because it seemed like they were knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the person who installed it did not do it correctly and also failed to put the filter inside one of the reverse osmosis membranes. The tank wasn’t filling, we noticed there was an issue when we did the TDS test on it, and our tap water was showing better than the reverse osmosis faucet, which was interesting. My husband ended up going through the steps of installing and realized there were several things that weren’t done correctly. Luckily, my husband fixed it himself however it’s very unfortunate that we had to pay $611 to get this system installed incorrectly. Unfortunately when I called to relay this message to CGC, they just apologized and giggled a little. Not sure why that’s funny, but it’s alright we just know to not refer this business to any friends or family!

Jacksonville’s city punch has a god-sent healer. I had my dude Chris get me set up with the most vital water softener for this old house and let me tell you… my pipes and faucets are spewing out magical softness without the buildup. 12/10 would recommend for your home, new or old… Jacksonville residents need this to increase overall health and reduce maintenance on your home.

Elvin was amazing! He quickly diagnosed the issue, fixed it, and then explain to me why things were doing what they were doing. More than anything I like that he explained everything and how it makes sense. Highly recommend!

Michael was excellent. He explained everything perfectly. He went thru all the products and options.

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