How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Harsh South Dakota Winters

Cold weather can put a lot of stress on your home’s plumbing system. When temperatures fall below freezing for extended periods, water inside exposed or poorly protected pipes can freeze. That frozen water expands, creating pressure inside the pipe and increasing the risk of cracks, leaks, and burst plumbing.

For homeowners in Rapid City and throughout the Black Hills, frozen pipes are a serious winter concern. At Loyal Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we recommend taking preventative steps before extreme cold arrives so your plumbing system is better prepared for winter conditions.

Why Frozen Pipes Can Cause Serious Damage

Frozen plumbing is more than an inconvenience.

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That expansion can create pressure between the frozen section and a closed faucet or valve. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe or a nearby fitting can fail.

In some cases, homeowners don’t realize a pipe has cracked until temperatures rise and the ice begins to thaw. Once normal water flow returns, water may begin leaking behind walls, under flooring, inside cabinets, or into basements and crawl spaces.

That is why prevention is so important during periods of extreme cold.

Know Which Pipes Are Most Likely to Freeze

Not every pipe in your home is exposed to the same conditions.

Plumbing located inside heated living spaces is generally better protected than pipes running through areas that receive little or no heat.

Pay particular attention to pipes located in:

• Crawl spaces
• Garages
• Basements
• Exterior walls
• Utility rooms
• Under kitchen or bathroom sinks on outside walls
• Unheated storage areas
• Other poorly insulated spaces

If you have experienced frozen plumbing in a particular area before, that location deserves extra attention each winter.

Insulate Vulnerable Plumbing

Adding insulation around exposed pipes is one of the most common ways to help protect plumbing from freezing temperatures.

Pipe insulation can reduce heat loss and provide an extra layer of protection in colder areas of the home.

Foam pipe sleeves and other insulation products are commonly used on exposed plumbing. The best approach depends on where the pipes are located and how much cold air reaches the area.

Insulation is especially important in garages, crawl spaces, basements, and other areas that may not stay as warm as the rest of your home.

Seal Drafts Around Plumbing

Even a well-heated home can have vulnerable areas where cold outside air reaches plumbing.

Check for gaps and drafts around:

• Exterior wall penetrations
• Windows
• Doors
• Utility openings
• Plumbing penetrations
• Foundation openings

Cold air blowing directly onto a pipe can significantly increase the likelihood of freezing.

Sealing unnecessary gaps can help keep colder air outside while allowing your heating system to maintain more consistent temperatures around the plumbing.

Keep Your Home at a Consistent Temperature

It can be tempting to lower the thermostat significantly overnight or while you are away, especially when trying to reduce heating costs.

During periods of extreme cold, however, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can help protect vulnerable plumbing.

Pipes hidden inside exterior walls, cabinets, basements, and other cooler areas rely partly on heat from the surrounding home.

If indoor temperatures fall too low, those pipes may become more vulnerable to freezing.

If you leave home during the winter, avoid completely turning off the heating system.

Open Cabinet Doors During Extreme Cold

Plumbing underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks can sometimes be located near exterior walls.

During especially cold weather, opening cabinet doors can allow warmer indoor air to circulate around those pipes.

This can be particularly helpful in areas where the inside of the cabinet feels noticeably colder than the rest of the room.

Be mindful of household cleaners, chemicals, and other items stored underneath sinks, especially if children or pets are present.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Leaving a garden hose connected during freezing weather can create problems for exterior plumbing.

Water trapped inside the hose or outdoor faucet may freeze and expand. Depending on the plumbing configuration, this can damage the faucet or the pipe supplying it.

Before temperatures regularly fall below freezing:

• Disconnect garden hoses.
• Drain remaining water from the hoses.
• Store hoses for the winter.
• Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks.
• Drain exterior water lines when appropriate.
• Consider insulated faucet covers where needed.

If an outdoor faucet is already leaking, it is better to address the problem before colder weather arrives.

Should You Let a Faucet Drip During Extreme Cold?

In certain situations, allowing a very small amount of water to move through a vulnerable pipe may help reduce freezing risk.

This is sometimes recommended during periods of extreme cold when plumbing has a history of freezing or runs through particularly vulnerable areas.

However, letting faucets drip should not replace proper insulation, maintaining indoor heat, or correcting areas where cold air reaches the plumbing.

If you regularly rely on dripping faucets to prevent frozen pipes, it may be worth having the plumbing evaluated to determine whether a more permanent solution is available.

Prepare Your Plumbing Before Leaving Town

Winter travel can create additional risks because plumbing problems may go unnoticed for several days.

Before leaving home:

• Check for existing plumbing leaks.
• Make sure the heating system is operating properly.
• Maintain an appropriate indoor temperature.
• Know where the main water shutoff is located.
• Consider having someone check the home during an extended absence.

If the property will remain vacant for an extended period, additional winterization steps may be appropriate.

A professional plumber can help you determine the best approach based on your home and plumbing system.

Know the Signs of a Frozen Pipe

Frozen pipes are not always immediately visible.

One of the most common warning signs is turning on a faucet and receiving little or no water during extremely cold weather.

You may also notice:

• Frost on exposed plumbing
• Unusual bulging in a pipe
• Reduced water pressure
• Water flowing from some fixtures but not others
• Unusual noises when opening a faucet

If a single fixture suddenly loses water while the rest of the house continues working normally, the supply line serving that area may be frozen.

What Should You Do If a Pipe Freezes?

If you suspect a frozen pipe, take the situation seriously.

A frozen pipe may already be damaged even if you cannot see a crack.

If you know where the affected pipe is located and it is safely accessible, gentle warming may help thaw the frozen section. Never use an open flame, torch, or other unsafe heating method.

It is also a good idea to know where your main water shutoff valve is located. If the pipe has cracked, water may begin flowing from the damaged area as soon as the ice melts.

If you cannot locate the frozen section, are unsure how to thaw it safely, or believe the pipe may have burst, contact a professional plumber.

What to Do If a Frozen Pipe Bursts

If water begins leaking from a broken pipe, shut off the home’s main water supply as quickly as possible.

Then keep people away from any standing water that may be near electrical equipment or outlets.

If it is safe to do so, use towels, buckets, or containers to help limit the spread of water while waiting for plumbing service.

Do not assume the damage is limited to the visible break. Water may travel inside walls, underneath flooring, or into other parts of the home.

Prevent Frozen Pipes Before Cold Weather Arrives

The best time to deal with vulnerable plumbing is before temperatures reach their lowest levels.

Inspect exposed pipes, disconnect outdoor hoses, seal drafts, maintain adequate indoor heat, and address plumbing areas that have frozen in previous winters.

These preventative steps can reduce the risk of an unexpected plumbing emergency when winter weather is at its worst.

Protect Your Home With Loyal Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Harsh winters are part of living in the Black Hills, but frozen and burst pipes do not have to be.

Loyal Plumbing, Heating and Cooling helps homeowners throughout Rapid City and surrounding communities with frozen pipes, pipe repairs, leak detection, plumbing maintenance, water heaters, drains, heating, and other home comfort needs.

If you are concerned about vulnerable plumbing or are already dealing with a frozen or damaged pipe, schedule service with Loyal Plumbing, Heating and Cooling and let our team help protect your home.