[tab_nav type=”five-up” float=”left”] [tab_nav_item title=”What Should I Do?” active=”true”] [tab_nav_item title=”Thawing Pipes” active=””] [tab_nav_item title=”Burst Lines” active=””] [tab_nav_item title=”Freeze Prevention” active=””] [tab_nav_item title=”Why Inception?” active=””] [/tab_nav][tabs][tab active=”true”]
Relieve The Pressure
Opening the fixture's faucet that is frozen should be the first priority. If there are multiple faucets, do those as well. Even a small drip can help relieve pressure build up which can help eliminate potential pipe bursting.
Let's Be Safe
Take precaution and give your other fixtures some quick freeze prevention. Use your gut here and find any other fixtures that have potential to freeze. Once determined, go ahead and get those faucets dripping as well.
Find Your Shut - Off Valve
Every homeowner should know where their main shut-off valve is. If you don't already know you'll need to find out fast. Frozen water lines can burst at any moment and you should be prepared.
Call Inception Plumbing
Give us a call and under no circumstances leave your frozen pipes unattended. Inception will take quick action to get you up and running again.
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Can I Thaw My Own Lines?
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]epending on the location of the pipe and your level of expertise, you can attempt to thaw the pipe yourself. Once you have determined a pipe is frozen, it is imperative that you take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more potential your frozen line has to burst, which can cause extensive damage to your property. Obviously getting more heat to the problematic area is top priority. If the pipe in question is accessible, you can apply heat directly with a hair dryer or heat gun. Always remember to never use an open flame while thaw your piping and be extremely carful when using electrical devices around water. Opening cabinets below your frozen bathroom or kitchen sink will allow more heat in from the home. Also, just raising the temperature of the home can help.
When Should I Call A Plumber?
First off, if you see any water dripping or swollen pipes throughout your home you need to call a plumber immediately. Most of the time frozen water lines are in unaccessible areas within your home. If you’re not sure exactly where your pipes are frozen or comfortable thawing them out yourself, having a qualified plumber on site can get your problem resolve quickly with minimal damages. Also, getting advise from a professional on preventive measures that you can take is ideal.
[/tab][tab]Can I Repair My Burst Water Pipes?
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ell, the short answer is yes. Yes of course you can repair them, but unfortunately it does take some field experience and the proper plumbing tools to do so. You’ll more than likely be ahead with time, money and headache by just calling a plumbing professional. But if you are determined to roll up your sleeves and get busy, just be cautious of where you gather your instruction. Below are a few plumbing tips to help you along the way.
What Not To Do:
No Quick Connects
Most hardware centers offer these type of push on fittings for the do-it-yourselfer. They do work well in a pinch but only for emergencies. I personally wouldn't have these type of fittings in my home, and I do not recommend them for my customers. Inception Plumbing always uses a solid press, crimp or sweat connection which are superior to any push on fittings.
Don't Burn Your House Down
I'm pretty sure this one is self explanatory. If you do decide to gather up a torch, solder and flux, just be carful and smart. Make sure all of the water is out of the line before you sweat the joint, and remember that sweating copper is 80% preparation. The process of heating and applying the solder is actually very easy to do if you clean and sand properly. Have a fire extinguisher on hand and a heat shield for working around wood.
What To Do:
Do Your Homework
Knowledge is the key to success. If you are going to dive into repairing your broken water lines I highly recommend that you do as much research as you can. This will help you determine if you want use copper tubing or PEX materials and so on. When you show up at your local home center or plumbing supply house you need to be confident in your purchases. Making numerous trips to the supply house can really eat away at your day.
Don't Fight It
I can't stress this one enough. This is where having a plumber with experience (who makes it look so easy) comes into play. A seasoned veteran knows to have patience and will always measure twice and cut once. Working to teach an apprentice this trait can be a big task in itself. Some words of wisdom are to make sure your pipes are square, level and plumb. If you do that, things will be a lot easier in the long run. Remember that piping and fittings should never be installed under stress.
Disconnect All Garden Hoses
Always disconnect all hoses from your outside wall hydrant before winter. These can cause your pipes to burst.
Are your Hyrdrants Frost-Proof?
Have Inception swing by and inspect you hose bibs. Let's make sure you've got what you need. Having the wrong hydrant in place can be a potential disaster.
Check For Air Leaks
Even the slightest bit of winter wind can cause your pipes to freeze. Check out your hose bib penetrations and get them sealed up. Expansion foam or foam faucet covers work great.
Make Sure You're Insulated
Having proper insulation can make a world of difference. Check your walls, crawl space and/or basement for potential areas of environmental penetration.
Heat Tape
If you have concerns about potential problematic piping within your home, then get some heat tape installed. Heat tape will keep lines safe from freezing in a time of need.
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Leave It To The Pros
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]rozen water lines can be avoided if the correct measures are taken. Just letting a faucet drip all night can help, but is not a permeant solution by no means. You’re basically just standing by, hoping your lines won’t burst and flood your home . Homeowners shouldn’t have to deal with these worrisome symptoms winter after winter and we can help. Here’s how:
Thaw & Repair
The first thing an Inception tech will do is get your frozen pipes thawed out and then repair any busted pipes. This will get you up and running again.
Assess & Recommend
Second, we will assess your water piping system. If your home has any water lines in an exterior wall, we would recommend these be re-routed. If water lines cannot be re-routed we would suggest installing heat tape wire. This will supply constant heat to your piping.
Refer
Third, we will help you with any clean up and construction repair by referring you to one of our trusted contractors.
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Let Us Help!
Let Inception bring experience into your home. Inception will always address the cause for you. This is where some plumbing service companies fall short. They just fix symptoms. More than likely you’ll have the same problems next winter and have to do it all over again. So, if you’re ready for a repair or just want to get some recommendations for preventive maintenance, schedule an appointment today.