Is your faucet unresponsive in the morning? The prospect of a deep freeze and what it could do to your pipes has you concerned? In La Crosse one puts up with enough plumbing surprises when the mercury falls.
We at K & H Plumbing, LLC know all about such winter anxieties; they are part of our routine every year. As a veteran-owned and operated concern for the Tri-State region we are on hand to put your mind at ease. A call to (608) 903-8814 will put you in touch with us. The winters in this state put homes through their paces and the plumbing is no exception. But if you are aware of what to look for you can avoid a lot of expense and trouble.
What follows is an account of the cold weather’s more usual plumbing tribulations and when it is time to get some assistance.
Frozen Pipes
Homeowners have reason to be apprehensive of this one. Water that freezes in a pipe will expand, building up pressure against the walls of the pipe until it can no longer hold.
The ones with little insulation from the cold are in the way of trouble:
- Any in an unheated basement or crawl space
- Those in the attic or garage
- Exterior wall runs
- An outdoor spigot or hose bib
- Under a sink on an outside wall
A mere trickle from the tap on a chilly morning is a telltale sign of a freeze in progress and you would do well to make a move before it compounds.
Burst Pipes
There is a world of difference between a frozen pipe and a burst one, the latter being an outright disaster. Once the ice within has had its way, the pipe will split. It is upon thawing that water makes its way into the home and the damage is done.
In minutes a burst pipe can flood your floors and ceilings with gallons of water. Expect to see ruined possessions and warped flooring, and perhaps mold later on.
Act fast and it will show. Should you think a pipe has given way, turn off the main supply and ring a plumber. With our 24/7 service there is no need to put it off till the next day.
Water Heater Strain
Come winter your water heater is put to work in Wisconsin. The unit must run harder and longer to compensate for the cold water coming in. An older model may not stand the strain and you are left with a cold shower when you can least afford it.
Be on the lookout for:
- Hot water that is not hot enough or does not last
- Popping or rumbling out of the tank
- Discoloration or rust in the water
- Leaks at the base of the tank
You will be better off for nipping these in the bud than to have the thing fail in the dead of winter.
Outdoor Faucet and Hose Bib Damage
It is easy to overlook the outdoor spigot until spring comes around. Yet a hose left on with water in the line is an invitation for freezing and cracking of the fixture and pipe. You might not be any the wiser until you put on the faucet in warmer weather and see water in your wall. Save yourself the cost of a repair by shutting down the outdoor lines and taking the hoses off ahead of a hard freeze.
Sump Pump Issues
Your sump pump can be tested by a January thaw or other precipitation. If the line is frozen or the pump quits, the water has nowhere to go and you are faced with a flooded basement. Make sure the discharge line is clear and give the pump a test before the season is upon you.
Do Not Put It Off
These issues are not going to resolve themselves and waiting only makes for a larger repair job. Be it a burst pipe or a water heater on the fritz, K & H Plumbing, LLC is ready to be of service to the homeowner or business in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, Bangor, Viroqua, Winona and La Crescent.
We are veterans who own and run this company and provide free estimates. When you require us most we are here, 24/7. Give us a call at (608) 903-8814 and we will see to it your plumbing is in good order for the winter.