Winter isn't just about playing in the snow or enjoying the Yuletide season. It's also one of the most dreaded times of the year for many homeowners because the cold temperature usually triggers a lot of plumbing issues.

Among the most common plumbing problems that may arise include frozen and burst pipes, blocked drainage systems, corroded pipe lines and even dysfunctional heating systems emergency plumbing. Now we all believe that prevention is better than cure. So to avoid experiencing inconveniences due to problematic plumbing systems, here are some valuable tips that any homeowner should follow.

1. Do not tightly close your faucet. Just let a small amount of water trickle down to prevent pipes from freezing. With the water continuously flowing throughout the pipelines, there will be a lesser chance that water will turn into ice.

2. Wrap your tanks and plumbing lines with pipe lagging. This is an efficient way to keep your plumbing system insulated and works effectively whether you're dealing with interior or exterior pipes. Do not forget to check pipes that are located in the cold areas of the house. They need as much attention as outdoor pipes do. You may also insulate them using heat tapes.

3. If you're going to leave the house for a holiday vacation, make sure that you keep your heater on. Circulating warm air is an efficient way to prevent frozen pipes. The temperature should be maintained above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, considering all the sinks, faucets and pipelines situated near or on exterior walls. Crawl vents on the other hand should be closed to prevent the cool breeze and snow from entering the premises.

4. Water drainage systems should also be monitored during the winter season. Snow should not congest the drainage lines so remember to clean up or remove any blockage. Otherwise, there's a big possibility that you'll encounter indoor flooding or water back-ups which are going to be very inconvenient.

5. When you're already faced with frozen pipes, it is wise to know how to thaw them. You can try basic methods such as wrapping the affected areas with hot towels, utilizing heating devices to defrost them such as heat lamps or electric hair dryers and applying bottles filled with hot water to the pipes. If these methods do not resolve the problem, contact your trusted plumbing technicians to provide you with professional help. They are best experienced in this field and could save you a lot of time and money.