Water Pipe Repairs

There are a few sayings in the plumbing industry, "There is nothing more expensive than bad plumbing." and "Everything works, until it doesn't." Excellent plumbing lasts for a lifetime, sub-par plumbing lasts for a time, but then the results are catastrophic and often erupt with zero warning. 

I cannot tell you the number of times that I have gone into a home with a flooded basement and a crying wife, always with the same story, "We had a handyman try to fix it, and now my basement is destroyed." 

Plumbing is not intuitive, it must be learned from someone who knows what they are doing. That is why plumbing in many states is highly regulated. Things that "work ok" are often dangerous, wrong, and illegal.  The rules are there to protect homeowners, and plumbers know the rules and have to  follow them for the best interest of the homeowner. Cutting corners with a repairman is a recipe for disaster. 

There is a saying in the service industry, "The plumber protects the health of the nation." This is a true statement. The plumber helps protect homeowners from carbon monoxide, gas leaks, sewage leaks, water leaks, and floods. 

Home flooding is one of the most damaging things that can happen to a home. Some consider it even worse than fire. 

How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing?

Preventing frozen pipes during the winter months involves taking proactive measures to insulate and protect your plumbing.

At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but they most commonly freeze at temperatures of 20 degrees and below.

Here are some tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

Insulate Exposed Pipes:

• Identify pipes that are exposed to colder temperatures, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
• Insulate these pipes using pipe insulation or heating tape. This helps retain heat and prevent freezing.

Seal Leaks and Gaps:

• Seal any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, or around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering and reaching the pipes.

Maintain Adequate Heating:

• Keep your home heated, especially in areas where pipes are located. If you're away, maintain a minimum temperature to prevent freezing.

Allow Faucets to Drip:

• When temperatures drop significantly, allow faucets to drip slightly. This can relieve pressure in the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. This is particularly important for pipes located along exterior walls.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses:

• Disconnect and drain water from outdoor hoses. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets if possible.

Add Insulation to Attic and Crawl Spaces:

• Ensure that your attic and crawl spaces are well-insulated. Proper insulation helps maintain a warmer temperature throughout your home.

Use a Space Heater:

• In areas with particularly vulnerable pipes, consider using a space heater to provide additional warmth.

Install a Programmable Thermostat:

• Use a programmable thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, especially when you're away or during the night.

Keep Garage Doors Closed:

• If your water heater or pipes are located in the garage, keep the garage doors closed during cold weather to retain warmth.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes during the winter months and the subsequent potential for pipe bursts and water damage.