A cold morning can find you with a burst pipe. Or perhaps your water pressure is in decline as the day warms up after a freezing night. One has to ask what it is about Colorado winters that are so punishing to a plumbing system.
We at R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical have been putting Southern Colorado homeowners right since 1994 when they come to us with such issues. For any current plumbing trouble, give us a ring at (719) 224-2800.
You will not get the same unrelenting cold in Colorado as in some other parts of the country. The freeze-thaw cycles here are their own thing; the temperature will be below zero overnight and well above by afternoon. The strain this puts on your home’s plumbing is no small matter. It is worth knowing what to look for so you can put an end to trouble before it starts.
Why Freeze-Thaw Cycles Are So Hard on Pipes
Water expands on freezing and contracts on thawing. In a Colorado winter your pipes and the earth around them are subject to this again and again. Metal or plastic is not made to be in a state of constant flex, and over time the repeated cycle of it will weaken the pipes.
The colder nights make for a more pronounced effect in higher elevation locales such as Monument, Cripple Creek and Woodland Park. Yet there is ample freeze-thaw activity to be had in Pueblo and Colorado Springs as the season goes on.
Frozen and Burst Pipes
A frozen pipe is the one everyone knows about. Once the water within is frozen solid the ice puts out tremendous pressure. Inevitably the pipe will crack or burst.
Pipes are most vulnerable to a freeze if they are:
- In an unheated basement or crawl space
- Along an exterior wall
- An outdoor spigot or hose bib
- In the garage or attic
- Part of the sprinkler system
Should you have reason to think a pipe has burst, turn off the main supply and put in a call without delay. A lot of water can be let loose in short order.
Cracks in Older Joints and Fittings
It does not have to be a full blown burst for the freezing and thawing to do its work. Joints and fittings can be loosened. Water stains on a wall or ceiling, a musty odor from concealed moisture, or minor leaks at the connections are all telltale signs. Left to themselves these slow leaks can do considerable damage in the course of a few weeks.
Water Heater Strain
Your water heater is put to the test by cold incoming water. There are times in a Colorado winter when the water coming into the house is so cold the unit has to run longer to compensate. An older water heater will not last as long under the extra strain and you may be made aware of some weak spots.
Sewer and Drain Line Problems
Not only do the freeze-thaw cycles impact the pipes that supply water but those for waste as well. The ground will shift and freeze and a buried sewer line can be misaligned or cracked. You will know something is amiss if you have:
- Drains that are slow in every room
- Gurgling coming from the toilet or drains
- Backed up water in low lying drains
- The smell of sewage in the yard or house
Best to put an end to these problems early as they have a way of worsening.
Shifting Ground and Slab Leaks
Freezing and thawing soil moves, and that exerts pressure on pipes in and under your foundation. A slab leak in the water lines below the concrete is not easy to detect by yourself. Be on the lookout for warm areas on the floor, running water with nothing on, or a water bill that has gone up for no apparent reason.
How to Reduce Your Risk
One cannot do much about the weather in Colorado but you can see to it that your plumbing is protected. Insulate what is exposed, put a drip on the faucets in a hard freeze, put away the garden hoses in autumn and have the heat on even in your absence. Periodic inspections will nip small things in the bud.
R Buck is on hand for whatever our Colorado winters may bring in the way of frozen pipes or a leak. We are NATE-certified and the Better Business Bureau gives us an A+ rating. Our team is available to put your plumbing in order 24/7 throughout Southern Colorado. Call (719) 224-2800.