Preventing Frozen Water Pipes

August 2nd, 2017 Posted in Water Line Repair
Comments Off on Preventing Frozen Water Pipes

Burst water pipes from cold weather are not just a problem in the colder regions of the country. In fact, homes in warmer regions can be at higher risk for frozen water pipes due to lack of preparation for unexpected cold weather. Even areas in the deep south have had freezing temperatures in recent years, making it necessary to plan for the possibility of a cold snap wherever you live.

Insulating Your Plumbing

In cold areas of the country, plumbing is wrapped and insulated to help prevent frozen pipes. Even with insulation, pipes burst when there is no heat in buildings or structures with plumbing that is active. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are rare, you should inspect your plumbing. Especially check pipes that are:

  • Under the house or in crawl spaces
  • In attics
  • In garages or rooms without heat
  • Part of your outdoor plumbing

Hardware or home improvement stores have insulation for plumbing that can help protect your pipes. This extra layer of protection can prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your plumbing if you get hit with a cold snap.

Keep Pipes Warm

Even pipes inside can burst if not kept warm. Remember to keep the heat on in your home if cold weather is moving in. If you are out of town, call a relative or neighbor that can access your home and turn on the heat to avoid frozen pipes.

Even with preparation, if the weather turns very cold, you can experience frozen water pipes. As soon as possible, turn off the main water valve to your home if you have ice in your pipes. Then call your local plumber to fix the issue before a pipe bursts and causes more damage to your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

, ,
Read More

Are Your Water Pipes Prepared for the Next Cold Snap?

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
Comments Off on Are Your Water Pipes Prepared for the Next Cold Snap?

It’s already been a cold winter in many parts of the country, even though December is only the beginning of the cold months ahead. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to ensure your water pipes are ready for freezing weather. It only takes one cold snap to freeze your pipes, leaving you with no water and the possibility of an expensive burst pipe repair. Frozen pipes can often be prevented with just a little insulation, making this investment worth the effort and expense.

Insulating Water Pipes

If you live in an area prone to cold weather, you most likely already have insulated water pipes. However, freezing weather can and often does happen even in milder climates, and can do a number on your plumbing. The best solution is to add some insulation to your exposed pipes in order to give them protection during those winter cold snaps before the temperatures plummet. There are a few supplies you will need, like:

  • Insulating heat tape
  • Pipe sleeves
  • Newspaper

Any of these can help protect exposed pipes for areas which aren’t prone to long periods of freezing weather. Wrapping the pipes in crawl spaces, unheated basements and garages, plus any outdoor pipes for pools or spas, is good protection against an unexpected cold snap.

If you do end up with a frozen water pipe this winter, be careful when trying to thaw the pipe. Never expose the pipe to direct flame from a torch or other fire; always use a moderate heat source such as a space heater or blow dryer. Be aware that too much heat applied too quickly can cause the pipe to burst. In many cases, it is best to call in your local plumber to fix a frozen pipe so that they can inspect all your pipes to ensure that there’s no lingering damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

, ,
Read More

Burst Frozen Water Lines

January 16th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
Comments Off on Burst Frozen Water Lines

Unusually cold winter weather can often result in an unpleasant surprise for unwary homeowners:  a burst water line.  Water expands when it freezes and the outside air temperature gets cold enough, your water supply line or the water lines in your house can burst if the water in the line freezes.   The problem is more common in areas that usually don’t experience extremely cold temperatures.  In northern states, water pipes are usually installed such that they are not susceptible to freezing since cold weather is the norm.

In warmer climates, less care is taken to protect water pipes against freezing and as a result, a period of unusually cold weather can result in an outbreak of broken water pipes.  If you are concerned about your water pipes freezing, there are few steps you can take to help prevent it from happening.

First, if cold weather is expected, leave a faucet running very slowly.  Moving water takes longer to freeze than still water so even a trickle of water though your pipes can help prevent the water from freezing.  In addition, leaving a faucet slightly open allows any pressure to dissipate in the pipes between your faucet and the frozen spot.  This can also help prevent a burst pipe.

Leave kitchen and bath room cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, especially if they are located on an exterior wall.  If your water pipes run through an unheated garage, basement, attic, or crawlspace, consider installing pipe insulation or electric heating tape to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Finally, if you have a sprinkler irrigation system, water feature, spa or swimming pool, be sure to properly drain and winterize the system in the fall to prevent water freezing in the pipes and cracking them.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

, ,
Read More

Tips For Preventing Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter

December 20th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
Comments Off on Tips For Preventing Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter

Frozen water pipes are not only a great inconvenience but also are expensive to repair when they burst. The situation can go from bad to a disaster if it happens when you are out of the house and the water damage will quickly multiply. In order to avoid the hassle and expense of water line repairs due to burst or frozen water pipes this winter, consider applying some of these simple techniques in your home.

Letting the water drip slowly from a faucet one method that that will help prevent your water pipes from freezing.  Moving water does not freeze as quickly as still water and even a trickle of water from an inside faucet can help to prevent your water pipes from freezing and bursting.

The most effective way to prevent pipes from freezing is by limiting the amount of piping that is exposed to the cold outside air. Vulnerable pipes can and should be fitted with insulation sleeves, which will provide them with some protection.

There is also heating tape that can be wrapped around pipes, some with a built in thermostat that turns on automatically and others that must be turned on manually. To prevent freezing when you are going away for a few days and probably don’t have the heating on full, it is a good idea to drain your system and turn of the water at the mains until you return.

Remember one of the first signs that you have a frozen pipe is when you turn the taps on and nothing comes out. When this occurs and especially when you don’t know the exact location of the frozen section it is best to call a plumber out immediately before the pipes have time to burst.

, ,
Read More

Preventing Frozen Pipes

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
Comments Off on Preventing Frozen Pipes

As winter approaches, now is a great time to make sure your plumbing is protected from the cold. Anyone who has had to deal with the mess and expense of plumbing pipes bursting from the water inside freezing can tell you it is something you want to avoid. By using a few prevention measures, you can keep your pipes and water safe from bursting. 

Most water pipes are only in danger of freezing and consequently bursting when there is a severe cold snap in the weather. When water freezes, it expands, filling in the area within the pipe. 

Prevention tips

Most homes in cold weather areas are built with their pipes well-insulated and located inside the insulated walls of the house. Homes in warmer areas are more likely to have pipes that are left exposed in crawl spaces and attics. However, any home may have areas where the cold air can hit pipes and cause them to freeze. 

  • Insulate pipes. Wrap pipes that are exposed with insulating tape or foam pipe insulation to help block the cold air.
  • Keep water running. Keeping a trickle of water running out of all faucets can prevent freezing.
  • Use heat lamps. Space heaters or heat lamps can be used to warm exposed pipes, but only do this if you are home to keep an eye on them. 

The first sign of a frozen pipe is when the water no longer is coming through a faucet. If you catch it soon enough, you may be able to thaw it before it bursts. For help with water line repairs due to frozen or burst pipes, you should call your local plumber to fix the problem.

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Featured Plumbers| Find Local Plumbers| Plumbers Directory