2025 Winter Plumbing Disasters (and How to Avoid Them)

Winter is here — and with it comes a whole new set of challenges for your home’s plumbing. At LB White, we’ve already seen a spike in callouts this season across Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and the wider Wellington region. Cold weather puts extra pressure on pipes, hot water systems, and outdoor plumbing. If left unchecked, small issues can quickly turn into expensive disasters.

Here are some of the most common winter plumbing problems of 2025, and what you can do to avoid them.

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Burst Pipes from Freezing Temperatures

When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands — and that pressure can cause cracks or even complete pipe bursts. This year, we’ve already responded to multiple emergency callouts due to frozen pipes in older homes.

How to avoid it:

✅ Insulate exposed pipes

✅ Keep a slow trickle of water flowing overnight during extreme cold

✅ Call a plumber to assess vulnerable areas

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Blocked Stormwater Drains

Heavy rain and fallen leaves in winter can clog up stormwater drains quickly. If left unchecked, this can cause overflow, flooding, and property damage.

How to avoid it:

✅ Clear leaves and debris from outdoor drains weekly

✅ Install drain guards

✅ Schedule a professional drain clean if you notice slow drainage

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Hot Water Cylinder Failures

Your hot water system works overtime in winter. That’s when older or poorly maintained cylinders tend to break down — and no one wants a cold shower in July!

How to avoid it:

✅ Book a hot water cylinder check-up

✅ Flush your system once a year to remove sediment

✅ Replace aging units before they fail

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Overflowing Gutters Causing Internal Leaks

Blocked gutters lead to water spilling over into ceilings and walls. This year, we’ve seen several homes with internal water damage due to unmaintained gutters.

How to avoid it:

✅ Clean your gutters regularly

✅ Check downpipes for blockages

✅ Get a professional inspection if you suspect leaks

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Bathroom Floods from Increased Use

With more people staying indoors and using the bathroom more frequently, small issues (like slow drains or leaking toilets) can escalate. We’ve seen overflowing toilets and backed-up showers become more common in 2025.

How to avoid it:

✅ Don’t flush wipes or non-flushables

✅ Fix leaks early

✅ Book a plumber at the first sign of trouble

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Don’t Wait for a Disaster

Preventative maintenance can save you hundreds — even thousands — in repair costs. If you’re not sure whether your plumbing is ready for winter, give LB White a call. We’re your trusted Lower Hutt & Wellington plumbers, ready to help with winter plumbing needs:

• Emergency plumbing
• Blocked drains
• Hot water repairs
• Preventative inspections

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