It is not uncommon to hear odd noises from the pipes as the thermometer falls. Or perhaps you are concerned that a burst pipe will put your basement under water in the heart of a January cold snap. You may have asked yourself why the plumbing is prone to trouble come spring once the snow has melted.
For those with such concerns, we can help. We are Sioux Falls Plumbing, LLC, a family run and locally operated business for the people of Sioux Falls and Eastern South Dakota. Our doors are open at (605) 937-7450 should you need us.
The winters here in South Dakota take their toll on a home’s plumbing. The issue is more than the cold; it is the freeze and thaw cycle that repeats itself from December well into March. As water freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts, the back and forth of it all is hard on your pipes. Over the course of a winter it is bound to add up.
We would like to go over what we see most often so you are aware of the signs.
Frozen and Burst Pipes
You have to be wary of this one. Freezing water in a pipe will expand and build up pressure. With no outlet for it the pipe is liable to crack or give way. What makes it alarming is that you may not know of a burst until the ice has had a chance to thaw and the water starts to pour out, in some cases behind a wall or in the ceiling where it is not immediately apparent.
Pipes left unheated are in the greatest danger. Be on the lookout in:
- Basements, crawl spaces and garages
- Unheated utility rooms
- Poorly insulated exterior walls
- Any outdoor spigots or hose bibs
- Plumbing lines in the attic
- Those running through a cabinet on an outside wall
An early detection of a frozen pipe can stave off a burst. Should a faucet only give you a trickle in the cold, do something about it.
Hidden Leaks From Shifting Pipes
There is more to the freeze-thaw cycle than a dramatic burst. It is responsible for small cracks and joints coming undone. Season after season the expansion and contraction of the ground and your pipes will work a connection loose. You end up with a slow leak that can be there for weeks without your knowledge.
They are insidious leaks. Not only will they put a dent in your water bill and foster the kind of dampness mold is fond of, but they can be elusive since the water has a way of making its presence felt some distance from the source.
That is when proper leak detection comes in. Rather than tear up the house to make a guess, our crew will employ Hurco liquid smoke technology to find the hidden leak and make the necessary repairs.
Water Heater Strain
Your water heater is put to work all winter by the cold ground water. It has to run longer to bring the temperature up. An old unit might show its age under the strain. Popping or rumbling from the tank, or hot water that does not last as long as it did before, could be the winter taking its effect. Best not to put it off till the coldest week of the year and have it fail on you.
Slow or Frozen Drains
Do not think drain lines are any different. A sluggish drain with standing water is apt to freeze if it is in an unheated area or near an exterior wall. Some gurgling or a slow emptying in the winter is likely ice in the line.
Protecting Your Plumbing
Prevention is key in these parts. Some easy things to do:
- In extreme cold, let a drip run to keep the water in motion
- Give the pipes under the sink some warm air by opening the cabinet
- Before the first freeze, put away and drain any outdoor hoses
- Put insulation on exposed pipes in the basement or crawl space
- Maintain a consistent temperature in the house even in your absence
- Make sure you are familiar with the location of the main shutoff
Then there are times you will want to call in some help. Fixing a minor thing in December is much less costly than dealing with water damage in March.
Sioux Falls Plumbing, LLC is licensed and insured and we stand by our word. We are not commissioned so there is no pressure from our side to do a repair you have no use for. We provide free estimates as well.
Our service area covers Sioux Falls and the communities of Harrisburg, Tea, Hartford, Brandon, Crooks, Baltic, Dell Rapids, Lennox, Parker, Montrose, Canton and beyond in Eastern South Dakota. Come in or give us a ring at (605) 937-7450 and let our family put your mind at ease. We are here Monday to Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 12pm-8pm and on Sunday from 5 to 8pm.
