It is a cold morning in South Dakota and you go to the tap for some water only to get nothing. The thought of a burst pipe and what it will do to your home and finances this winter is enough to give anyone pause. Why not put an end to such worries before the weather turns?
We at Sioux Falls Plumbing, LLC are in the business of shielding the plumbing of homes and businesses in Eastern South Dakota from the rigors of winter. Call (605) 937-7450 and we can put your mind at ease about the pipes in your building.
One does not have to be in Sioux Falls to know that winter is no laughing matter. Once the mercury has fallen well under zero, the water in your pipes will freeze and expand with enough force to split them. Then comes the thaw and with it the prospect of flooding and water damage, not to mention a bill that will make you wince. Fortunately there is no reason to put up with any of it; for the most part it is all avoidable.
The Expense of a Frozen Pipe
A frozen pipe is more than a nuisance. Once it gives way the water is not going to be contained. It will make its way into your walls, ceilings, floors and whatever else is there. So the price tag for a frozen pipe is seldom confined to the pipe alone.
Consider the outlay for a burst:
- Replacing the ruined portion of the pipe
- New drywall and insulation
- Flooring that needs to be put in or fixed
- Dealing with mold should moisture be left to sit
- Any furniture, electronics or other items that take a hit
- An inflated water bill for water you did not see running
You would be hard pressed to find a better value than winterizing in advance to avoid the cost of putting things right after a break. Prevention is worth it.
Some Easy Ways to Winterize
Ideally you want to have your plumbing in order prior to the first hard freeze, though there is no harm in putting on some protection now. A few measures will stave off freezing:
- Put insulation on pipes in the garage, attic, basement or crawl space
- Turn off outside faucets and drain the hoses
- Put a seal on any gap or crack that lets in the cold
- During very cold spells a slow drip from the faucet will keep the water in motion
- Maintain a temperature of 55 degrees or more in the house even in your absence
- Open up the cabinet doors below the sink for some warm air
When the wind chill is in the negatives these are minor things to do but they make all the difference. And they are cheap insurance against a flooded basement.
Leak Detection as a Pre-Winter Measure
Often a problem is small at first. A weak spot or a leak you might overlook can be made worse by the freeze. Early detection is key.
With our Hurco liquid smoke technology we perform a thorough check of your system for hidden leaks and weak points. We can spot trouble in the fall that would otherwise be an emergency come January, and at a much lower cost.
In the Event of a Frozen Pipe
You may have done your due diligence and yet a deep freeze will still get one of your pipes. If you are getting a mere trickle from the faucet, you need to act to forestall a burst.
Leave the faucet on to allow flow when it thaws. Use a hair dryer or some warm, wet towels to apply heat, but never an open flame. Should you think a pipe has already given out, shut off the main supply. If you cannot find or thaw the frozen part of the pipe, a licensed plumber should be called.
If in doubt, do not make an educated guess. Phone us at (605) 937-7450 and we will either come out or put you straight.
What Sets Us Apart
Serving Sioux Falls and communities like Harrisburg, Tea, Hartford, Brandon, Crooks, Baltic, Dell Rapids, Lennox, Parker, Montrose and Canton, we are a family run, local operation. Licensed and insured, we take care of residential and commercial alike.
We are not commissioned so there is no pressure to be upsold on what you have no use for. You will get a fair price and an honest answer from our people, along with a free estimate.
Our office is open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday noon to 8pm and Sunday 5 to 8. Make the call to Sioux Falls Plumbing, LLC today at (605) 937-7450 and have your plumbing winterized. There is no need to let a frozen pipe become an expensive lesson.
