Prevent Drain Pipes From Freezing

prevent frozen drains - tulsa ok

If you have any property in the northern climate zones, that are going to be left uninhabited during the winter months, you must drain pipes to prevent freezing. Although not a very difficult task, it can be a bit tedious because you have to be sure that most, if not all, of the water has been purged to prevent damage to the pipes.When you drain pipes to prevent freezing, make sure the main water supply valve has been turned off first, and it is usually located in the basement or a crawl space next to the water meter. Once the water has been turned off, you can proceed.

• Always start on the top floor. Water runs down with gravity, so drain pipes to prevent freezing on the upper floor first.

• Turn on all faucets. Any leftover pressure will force water out of these fixtures.

• Drain toilet tanks and bowls. Flush the toilets repeatedly until all of the tank water is drained. If possible, scoop out as much of the toilet bowl water that you can. If that can't be done, pour in a cup of biodegradable RV anti-freeze into the bowl. This will keep the left over water from freezing.

• Drain your hot water tank. Turn off the gas or electric power first, than drain the tank fully. A siphon effect will pull out most of the leftover hot and cold water from the pipes.

• Drain pipes. There are two things you can do for drain pipes. You can send compressed air into each drain to force the water out. If you don't have an air compressor, you can pour biodegradable RV anti-freeze into each drain. Doing either one of these will ensure that your drain pipes won't freeze and rupture.

By following these simple tips, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your pipes will be intact and problem free next time they are used.

If you need more information about draining your pipes, please feel free to contact Air Assurance. We've been serving the  Broken Arrow and Tulsa area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Paul-Tessier/Shutterstock”

Which Are the Best Pipe Materials During the Winter?

Frozen pipes can split open and cause severe water damage that's costly to repair. One way to minimize or even avoid this frustrating event is to use the best pipes in freezing temperatures. Let's help you out by discussing the three common pipe materials and their ability to withstand freezing conditions.

Copper

Copper pipes lose heat quickly. Additionally, the thin pipe walls don't expand to accommodate swelling frozen water. As a result, copper pipes are more prone to bursting in freezing conditions than the other two pipe materials.

PVC/CPVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) are from the same plastic-pipes family. CPVC pipes are stronger and can handle higher water temperatures than PVC pipes. CPVC pipes are less rigid and have thicker walls than copper pipes. CPVC pipes expand slightly, so it won't burst as fast as copper. Nevertheless, it's vulnerable to frozen weather. CPVC pipes will crack if they endure low temperatures for very long.

PEX

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has the best chance of surviving freezing temperatures compared to copper and PVC/CPVC pipe materials. The chemical structure of PEX allows it to stretch farther to accommodate the water in the pipe as it freezes and expands. PEX pipes can thaw and contract back to their original dimensions without rupturing.

PEX piping is better at withstanding pressure increases and accommodating frozen water in the winter than the alternatives. Nevertheless, it can burst if there's considerable swelling and pressure from frozen water. There are several ways to make PEX and other plumbing materials more resistant to freezing, including:

• Insulating the pipes, especially those in attics, basements, and those close to outside walls

• Sealing leaks that could allow cold air into your home

• Shutting off the water to your outdoor faucets and disconnecting and storing garden hoses

• Opening cabinet doors to let warm air reach your pipes

While PEX is the best pipe material in freezing conditions, it may not be ideal for every plumbing application in your home. A local plumber can help you choose the best pipe materials for different applications. Contact us at Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs in the Broken Arrow area.

Ways to Avoid Frozen Pipes in Your Home This Winter

One of the most daunting aspects of winter is an ice storm, when trees freeze and limbs fall on power lines — or when power lines are weighed down by ice to the point of breaking. Homeowners are then confronted with a period — usually from a few hours to perhaps even days — of no power. The greatest concern, aside from the discomfort of living in the cold, is the possibility of frozen pipes.

Did you know that you don't have to have a power outage to be concerned with frozen pipes? They may occur whenever the temperature plunges to 32 degrees (or lower) and unprotected pipes freeze overnight. While pipes may thaw with no problem, it's also possible the frozen water will expand inside the pipes and cause them to burst. That can be an expensive repair.

Here are some tips to prevent frozen pipes the next time temperatures plunge:

1. Keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees or higher whenever temperatures outdoors are at freezing or below.

2. Water moving in your pipes will keep them from freezing, so turn water into a trickle in the faucet that's farthest from the main valve. Keep cold water flowing through faucets so they won't freeze.

3. Pipes in unheated areas of the home may freeze, so wrap pipes in the garage, attic, or basement with insulation or heat tape.

4. Open cabinets with pipes if they are located on an exterior wall. This will allow heat to circulate in them. In some cases, it may be wise to heat cabinet spaces with a space heater.

5. Drain outdoor faucets and protect them with a cover. Drain hoses and put them away.

6. Close valves inside the house that supply outdoor hose bibs. Open outside bibs so that water can drain, then keep it open so any water that's still in the pipe can expand without the pipe breaking.

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, the pipe is likely frozen. Turn off the water at the main valve so it doesn't flood the home when the pipe thaws.

For more on frozen pipes, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Tulsa Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

TULSA WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES

If your water heater doesn’t seem to be delivering as much hot water in the winter, it may not have anything to do with cold temperatures. Fresh water does cool off in the winter, but if your water heating appliance is fully functional, the incoming temperature shouldn’t matter .Most problems with heating water occur when the heater:

Needs flushing.

The most common cause of high water heating bills and premature tank failure are the hard water deposits that collect at the bottom of the tank. A few won’t interfere with water heating, but if there are too many, the heating process will slow, especially in gas water heaters. A gas water heater heats from the bottom only, and when that surface is covered with hard water deposits, there won’t be as much hot water.Most electric units have two heating elements. One sits close to the bottom of the tank and the other near the top. If the bottom is covered with solids, the water won’t heat as well. One of the heating elements may also not be working and needs replacing.

Has a broken dip tube.

The dip tube is made from plastic that can become brittle and break over time. This tube connects to the cold water inlet and sends the water to the bottom of the tank where it heats up. If it’s broken, the cold water stays at the top of the tank and the water you get won’t feel as hot.

Needs insulation to combat cold temperatures.

If the tank feels hot to the touch, consider wrapping an insulation blanket around it to keep the heat inside longer.

Is too small.

If your family size has changed, someone’s taking longer showers, or you’re washing more clothes in hot water might force you to install a bigger water heater.Some of these water heater maintenance tasks might be better done by a pro. If you’d like assistance, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC and plumbing services for Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

superior plumbing Services - drain Cleaning, Repair, installation

SUPERIOR PLUMBING SERVICES - DRAIN CLEANING, REPAIR, INSTALLATION

Got sewer drain problems? You’ll find this group of professionals in the ditch, in the cold, out at night serving our community. What an incredible team of superior plumbers – and you’ll only find them at Air Assurance. Uniformed Plumbing Professionals for your water, sewer, or gas line repairs service, installation, estimates, and maintenance. You’ll find our superior drain cleaning services in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby and more!

Providing a plumbing Diagnosis and Permanent Solution

There are few things worse than calling a plumber out to your home only to receive a temporary solution. When you are in need of a permanent fix to your plumbing problem, Air Assurance’s superior plumbing and drains professioals can find the right solution for your property and your concerns. Our company takes pride in arriving promptly, diagnosing problems with haste, and taking immediate action to correct the issue.

Whether in Tulsa or Broken Arrow Oklahoma, our plumbers will arrive fully equipped to handle any possible issue. From the most common plumbing problems to the harder to fix areas of concern, we are well-trained to find the problem and offer a budget-friendly solution. Once we have identified the area of concern, we will communicate with you directly to explain how we plan to fix it. We will also provide you with our upfront rates before we ever begin our plumbing repairs so that you are in control every step of the way!

Plumbing Installation Services

Our plumbing installation services are curated to offer the most comprehensive services to our customers. We handle a series of plumbing installations for both residential and commercial projects and you can rest easy at night knowing your work was handled by the best in the business.

•     Kitchen Faucet Installation

•     Toilet Installation

•     Hot Water Dispenser Installation

•     Water Heater Installation

•     Tankless Water Heater Installation

•     Water Filtration System

•     Garbage Disposal Installation

•     And more!

Our Superior PLUMBING & drain SERVICES

For years, Air Assurance has built a reputation for delivering the most experienced, courteous, and highest trained professionals for your heating and air conditioning needs. Whether it be residential or commercial, we've been there for you since 1985. Over the years, we've been asked countless times if we knew of a good plumbing company that could offer the same type of service our HVAC customers have grown accustomed to. Clean cut, drug tested, background checked technicians, full of integrity, that breathe customer service. We are excited to announce that Air Assurance is now your one-stop shop for all your heating, air conditioning, and now Plumbing needs.

our plumbing services include:

+ Hydrostatic Sewer Testing
+ Drain Cleaning Services
+ Repairs and Remodels
+ Hot Water Tanks / Water Heaters
+ Tankless Hot Water Heaters
+ Tulsa Hydro Jetting
+ Sewer Repairs & Installations
+ Troubleshooting
+ Plumbing Service Plans

Reasons to count on us for plumbing:

• Certified plumbers

• Emergency plumbing services

• Angie’s List Super Service Award

• A+ from the BBB

Schedule A Plumber in Broken Arrow Today

We serve Broken Arrow, OK, and the surrounding areas. If you need plumbing services, we are your go-to plumbing service company. Contact us today for any questions or to schedule a plumber to come to your home.

Will Your Home's Faucet Type Affect Plumbing Efficiency?

Choosing new faucets for the bathroom and/or kitchen seems straightforward enough, but there are a few basic things to know. First, you want to get the right faucet valve type, as choosing the faucet type that works best with your shower, kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or laundry room will make life easier.

You'll also be looking at faucet types and functions and what works best in your sinks and shower.

First, learn about faucet valve types.

1. Compression valve. Simple and inexpensive, these have a screw stem which rises and is lowered as the handle is turned. A rubber washer is lifted out of the water inlet; water enters the faucet. When the stem is lowered, the washer blocks the flow. These leak easily, as the washer becomes deformed or cracks and disintegrates. 

2. Ball valve. These valves, found in single-handle faucets, are likewise relatively inexpensive. There is a steel ball with a network of grooves and holes that align with hot- and cold-water inlets. Adjusting the ball with the handle controls water temperature and flow rate. These faucets are somewhat complex and prone to leaking once parts wear out.

3. Cartridge valve. Cartridge valve faucets have a small cylinder (either plastic or brass), with a network of channels that control temperature and direct-water flow rates. These faucets work for single-handle faucets or two-handle faucets and are easy to replace. 

4. Ceramic disc valve. A new type of faucet valve, the ceramic disc valve has two rotating ceramic discs. The discs have channels that, when rotated, align and allow water to flow and control temperature. These disc valves are sturdy, reliable, and rarely need repairing. They tend to be expensive.

Next, shop for the faucet type from among these options:

1. Pull down. Has a spray nozzle that extends from the spout. Strong spray.

2. Pull-out. Similar to pull-down, but has a hose instead of a spout and can retract.

3. Single handle. Controls water pressure and temperature. 

4. Double handle. Two-handle faucet has controls for water volume and temperature. Very efficient.

For questions about which faucet type to choose, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

How You Can Tell the Pipe Age of Your Home's Plumbing

Your pipes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're considering home maintenance. Nevertheless, they're one of the systems that deserves more attention because they're at the heart of your home's normal operations. Pipe age is a crucial aspect of the health of your plumbing system. A plumbing system that's too old will likely need significant repairs soon. Here are ways to find out if your pipes may be old and need replacement.

Type of Pipes

The material used to make your pipes determines their longevity. Knowing the materials your plumbing pipes are made of can help you establish their pipe age and whether they're nearing the end of their life span. Check the home-inspection report or hire an experienced plumber to help you identify the type of pipes in your home.

Galvanized steel pipes can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, after which they usually develop calcification or rust marks. After 30 to 40 years, cast-iron pipes tend to experience collapses, blockages, and corrosion. PVC drain lines usually last 20 to 40 years, brass pipes can last 40 to 70 years, and copper pipes typically last 50 to 80 years.

Corrosion on Exposed Pipes

Check your exposed piping for discoloration, flaking, staining, or dimpling. These irregularities should be a cause for concern. If you spot them, chances are that the inside of the pipes and the other pipes in your house could also be compromised.

Color of Water

If the water from your tap is brown or dark, that could be due to the corrosion of your pipes. Rust may be leaching into the water as it flows through the pipes.

Weak Water Pressure

Water pressure that has reduced over time could also indicate you have an aging plumbing system.

Hidden Plumbing Leaks

You may have old pipes if you experience frequent leaks or notice signs of hidden leaks, which may include:

• Peeling or bubbling paint

• Water stains on your ceiling or wall

• A water bill that's rising despite your usage remaining constant

• Persistently wet or green spots in your yard

If you notice these signs of increasing pipe age, it's advisable to hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Failure to take pipe age seriously could lead to disastrous water damage. If you need any household plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experienced professionals at Air Assurance.

Want Clean Pipes in Your Home? Learn When to Clean Them.

Clean pipes allow for the smooth flow of water and prevent costly disasters. Some signs will help you tell when you need to have your pipes cleaned. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to extensive water damage. Hire a plumber to ensure clean pipes when you notice the following symptoms:

• Unpleasant odors. The smell of sewage, a musty smell, or any other strong odors coming up from your drains could be due to a clog. Waste buildup resulting from clogs produces sewer gases over time.

• Water backups. Water backing up into your tub, sink, or toilet is a sign that your pipes need attention. A common example of this problem is water coming up into the tub or shower whenever you flush the toilet.

• Bubbling and gurgling noises. A partial clog that needs to be cleaned out may make your toilet bubble up or produce weird gurgling noises as water moves through your drains. If you don't address the issue, the partial obstruction will likely cause a fully clogged drain.

• Slow drains. A slow-draining line indicates a partial clog that could become bigger if left uncleaned. Multiple slow drains throughout your house could be caused by a clog in your main drain line.

You can avoid these problems through preventive cleaning of your pipes. You can maintain drain and pipe health by pouring several tablespoons of dish soap down the drains with hot water at least once a month. Running a few ice cubes and cold water through your garbage disposal will help clean it and prolong its life.

DIY remedies won't eliminate resilient clogs. Consider scheduling a professional annual cleaning for your pipes. Experts recommend that you shouldn't go more than 18 to 22 months without arranging for clean pipes. This preventive care will allow a professional to assess the condition of your pipes and keep them in tip-top shape.

Clean pipes help you stay ahead of plumbing disasters. If you need drain-cleaning services, sewer installations, testing, and repairs, or any other plumbing service in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact the certified plumbers at Air Assurance for assistance.

How You Can Upgrade Your Pipes for Your Home's Health

Your pipes will develop problems over time. Even if you don't notice these problems, there are likely to be hidden issues like gradual corrosion, rust, and decay that will eventually cause leaks and water damage unless you upgrade your pipes. Making plumbing upgrades ensures you have highly efficient fixtures and helps you lower your utility bills. But how do you go about upgrading your old plumbing? Here are some useful tips.

Watch Out for the Warning Signs

If you live in an old house, you should inspect your exposed pipes every year. Look for dimpling, pimples, flaking, discoloration, and stains. These are signs of corrosion. There may also be rust or decay inside your pipes if the water in your bathtub looks yellow or brown. Leaks may also indicate that you need to upgrade your pipes.

Remove Outdated Pipes

Some pipes found in old homes pose a significant risk to your health and property. Lead pipes were popular in the 1900s. Unfortunately, they can leach lead, which is a toxic metal, into your water. In the 1930s, galvanized steel pipes replaced lead pipes. These pipes tend to corrode internally. The materials that break off of them can affect your water quality.

Polybutylene pipes were commonly used from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. They usually deteriorate from the inside out. As a result, they tend to break and cause horrible water damage.

If your home has old pipes made of lead, polybutylene, or galvanized steel, you should strongly consider replacing them with better and more modern materials, such as copper. Copper pipes are safe and add to your home value.

Insulate Your Pipes

When upgrading your plumbing, it's a good idea to insulate your pipes. Insulation is a cost-effective way to protect your plumbing system from freezing during harsh winters. You can easily get pipe sleeves or wraps that fit over your exposed pipes from hardware stores.

Reducing Upgrade Costs

There are several ways of reducing pipe-replacement costs. You could start by replacing the exposed pipes. If you upgrade your pipes when remodeling, you will save on costs. You can limit wall demolition by opting for PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, which can be weaved into your walls.

A plumbing professional can inspect your plumbing and tell you if it's time to upgrade your pipes. Contact us at Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs in the Broken Arrow area.

What Is the Best Pipe Material to Use in Your Home?

With the many kinds of pipe material available these days and the myths surrounding them, selecting the best one for your home can be an overwhelming situation. The material you choose will be important in terms of durability, water quality, environmental impact, and costs. Let's help you by taking a closer look at the best materials currently available.

Copper Pipe Material

Copper is the premium option for water-supply lines because of its durability, its resistance to heat and corrosion, and its natural antimicrobial properties. Copper pipes don't leach chemicals into the water as other materials, such as plastic, are believed to do potentially. You can recycle old copper pipes. However, copper is fairly costly. It's more expensive than plastic pipes. Its price has risen drastically in recent years.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene pipes (PP) are rigid plastic pipes renowned for safety and durability. They're not joined using chemicals, and they carry no health concerns about them leaching chemicals into your water. You need specialty tools to install them. As a result, polypropylene may be too costly for a small DIY project. However, installing it isn't as taxing to plumbing professionals because they use these tools over and over.

PEX

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a type of plastic that's highly flexible and used to carry both hot and cold water. It can curve easily around obstructions and corners, making it an excellent option for retrofitting and repiping. There have been concerns about PEX pipes having the potential to contaminate the water running through them. However, today's PEX is considered safer than the version used decades ago.

CPVC

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is closely related to white PVC that's long been used for waste pipes. However, CPVC has additional chlorine that makes it safe for carrying drinking water. Ease of installation makes it a good option for DIY projects. CPVC isn't recyclable, and joining pipe sections requires the use of volatile solvents. However, it doesn't affect water quality after installation.

Your existing pipes, needs, preferences, and local codes will determine the best pipe material for your home. A local plumbing professional will help you choose suitable pipe material and fixtures for your project. If you need plumbing repairs or replacements in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

Which Home Pipe Material Is Best in Winter?

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Frozen pipes can cause devastating water damage when they burst. You can minimize or avoid this damage by using the best pipe material for winter. Let's explore the susceptibility of the common pipe materials to freezing and bursting to establish the one that holds up the best in cold weather.

Copper

Copper pipes are widely used because of their strength, resistance to corrosion, and longevity. A major disadvantage of these pipes is that they lose heat quickly and have a thin wall that's not flexible. These factors make them the most susceptible to bursting in frigid temperatures.

Copper pipes don't expand when the water inside them freezes. The swelling of frozen water places excess pressure on the thin walls, causing them to split open or burst eventually.

PVC and CPVC

CPVC pipe material is less rigid, have thicker walls, and lose heat more slowly than copper pipes. The pipes expand a little to minimize the pressure of frozen water on their walls, making them not burst as quickly as copper. Nevertheless, PVC and CPVC pipes are brittle. They crack when forced to endure freezing conditions for too long.

PEX

PEX is a very flexible plastic material that can stretch enough to accommodate water that's freezing and expanding inside of it. It withstands freezing conditions longer than PVC/CPVC and copper pipes.

Even PEX has its limits. It can still burst when there's considerable swelling and pressure from the frozen water. However, when PEX bursts, the fittings usually blow off first. Therefore, it's essential to connect PEX using fittings that can withstand freezing temperatures. You can make PEX and other types of pipes more resistant to freezing and bursting by disconnecting or securing outdoor faucets and wrapping insulation around the pipes in your attic, basement, and near outside walls.

Although PEX holds up the best in cold temperatures, you can't use it in every application. Your home needs different pipe materials, so it's best to contact a professional plumber when you're unsure of the best type of pipe for your specific project. Contact Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs in the Broken Arrow area.

Main Drain Cleaning Services in Tulsa

Main Drain Cleaning Services in Tulsa

Mud, soil, leaves, branches, and burrowing nests are some of the things that can block your outside drain. Putting the wrong things down your kitchen sink, drains and toilets can also leave the outside drain clogged. Here's what you can do to deal with a blocked outdoor drain.

How to Handle It When You Find Your Outside Drain Clogged

You can clear a clogged outside drain by hand. However, you'll need to wear rubber gloves because the drains tend to be smelly and dirty. To unclog the drain:

1. Remove the drain covers.

2. Reach in and remove as much gunk as you can at the entrance and exit.

3. Insert your garden hose as far as possible into the entrance point, turn it on, and flush out the debris until the water frees up the line and runs clear.

If there's standing water, you may want to get rid of as much of it as possible before removing the clog with your hands. Nevertheless, your garden hose will work through the standing water.

An outside drain clogged may require some specialty tools, such as:

• Sewer-cleaning machine. To use the machine, you feed a cable attached to it into your outdoor drain pipe. The cable spins through the pipe to break up the blockage. You can't use the machine if your pipe is perforated or corrugated, because the sharp blade on the cable's tip can tear it apart.

• Hydro jetting. With a perforated or corrugated pipe and PVC, you can try using a hydro jetter. This machine flushes out the blockage using high-pressure water.

You can rent hydro jetters or sewer-cleaning machines from a local hardware store. Keep in mind that these machines can hurt you and your pipes if you're not experienced with them.

If you find your outside drain clogged despite your efforts or are having trouble clearing it, you should call in professionals. For all your plumbing problems in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance. We offer a variety of plumbing services, including hydro jetting drain cleaning and sewer repairs and installations.

What Can Cause Cloudy Water in Your Pipes?

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Once in a while, the water coming out of your faucet may be milky or cloudy. Let's explore the potential causes of the cloudy water, along with what you can do about them.

Trapped Air

If the water coming from all your taps is cloudy, it's likely due to trapped air in the water flowing through your pipes. If you fill a glass with water, the cloudiness will clear naturally from the bottom to the top as the pressurized air is released.

The high amount of air in your water is likely due to an issue with the municipal water supply. You can check with your neighbors to see if they're experiencing the same issue. If the issue is only in your house, consider calling a plumber to find out if your home's pipework has a problem.

Dirty Aerator

Getting cloudy or milky water from just one faucet could be a sign of an issue with the faucet or aerator. Removing the aerator and cleaning it with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar should solve the problem.

Water Heater Problems

If you only experience cloudy water from your hot-water taps and you can see particles settling at the bottom of your glass, your water heater is likely to blame. You'll need to contact a plumber to determine whether you have a defective dip tube that needs replacement or you need to have the water heater flushed to remove sediment buildup.

A failing dip tube tends to disintegrate into your hot water supply, leaving white flecks of plastic in your water. Sediment accumulation can cause cloudy water and make your water heater work harder, increasing your utility bills.

Hard Water

Hard water may cause the buildup of limescale in your pipes, which may make your water appear milky. Limescale buildup can make your water heater work harder. Hard water can also lead to poor water flow. You can remove the minerals that cause water hardness using a water softener.

The different causes of cloudy water have different solutions. If the issue has persisted for a while or you're unsure about the cause or solution for the cloudiness, be sure to contact a plumber. If you live in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact us at Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs.

How to Tell If You Have Quality Pipes in Your Home

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Low-quality pipes can cause leaks that could significantly damage your property. What's more, they may also be a health hazard if they expose you to lead. To learn how to find out if you have quality pipes running through your house, read on.

Material for Quality Pipes

You can learn the quality of your plumbing system from the materials used for your pipes. The best quality pipes for your plumbing system are copper and PEX. PVC pipes are less favored, and galvanized pipes are considered a low-quality type.

Copper pipes are heat-tolerant, durable, and not vulnerable to leaks. Copper has a life expectancy of 70 to 80 years. PEX piping is also popular because it's flexible, isn't corroded by moisture or minerals, and lasts 50 years.

PVC is low cost and low maintenance, but it has to be installed carefully and bedded to prevent cracking. It tends to warp at temperatures of 140 degrees or higher. Galvanized pipes are prone to rusting from the inside out and can leach lead into your water supply.

You can know the type of pipes in your home by taking a quick look at them. PEX pipes are usually red or blue and seem to be made up of hard plastic because they're nonmetallic. Copper pipes are metallic and have a shiny color that looks like that of a penny. They turn greenish over time.

PVC pipes resemble hard, white plastic and have markings that identify their diameter down their body. Galvanized pipes appear metallic and have a silver or gray color.

Condition of Pipes

Check your exposed pipes for bumps, dimpling, flaking, or discoloration. Water discoloration could also indicate corrosion inside your pipes. If you also spot significant leakage or signs of accumulation of moisture, then the quality of your pipes may have deteriorated, warranting replacement.

To be completely sure that your home has quality pipes, contact a plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Contact the certified plumbers at Air Assurance for the best plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area.

Want Cost-Efficient Plumbing in Your Home? Here's How to Get It.

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Is your plumbing system old and outdated? It could be wasting energy and water, and it could end up costing thousands of dollars. So how can you make your plumbing use less power and water, resulting in lower bills? Here are the cost-efficient plumbing options you should consider.

Low-Flow Fixtures

Newer, high-efficiency toilets can use just one gallon per flush. The older toilets used in more than 40% of households in the United States use 3.5 or more gallons of water per flush. Most water-efficient toilets also offer a low-power flush option for liquid waste. Considering that 70% of daily flushes are for liquid waste on average, that could add up to significant savings.

Besides water-efficient toilets, other low-flow fixtures that can help you save significantly on your water bills include low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These fixtures provide the same utility as their non-low-flow counterparts.

Tankless Water Heater

Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters don't use energy continuously to keep water hot; they only provide hot water when it's needed. Tankless water heaters last 20 to 25 years compared to their traditional counterparts, which can last as little as five to seven years. The energy-saving capabilities of tankless water heaters outweigh the higher upfront cost.

Regular Maintenance

Proper plumbing maintenance is crucial to preventing your fixtures from wasting energy and money. An excellent way to ensure proper maintenance is by scheduling plumbing maintenance visits. During a maintenance visit, a professional will ensure that the components of your plumbing system are working correctly and help you detect potential issues before they grow into expensive problems.

Insulate Pipes

Pipe insulation reduces the heat lost as your pipes carry water to plumbing fixtures. As a result, you can reduce the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees or lower to save money. You can consider insulating your pipes during a major remodel or new construction.

The cost-efficient plumbing options above will be great for the environment and your wallet. If you need any plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact the master plumbers at Air Assurance, who have more than 50 years of experience.

Can a Water Recirculator Help Your Home's Plumbing System?

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Waiting for hot water can be a real nuisance, especially during Broken Arrow's chilly winters. A water recirculator gets hot water to your faucet fast, saving you time and water.

How a Water Recirculator Works

When you turn on a faucet far from your water heater, you could wait more than a minute for hot water to reach you. That's inconvenient and a waste of water. A hot-water recirculating pump can solve this problem. A small device that fits under the sink farthest from your water heater, a recirculator continuously pumps hot water back and forth between the water heater and the faucet. Cold water sitting in your pipes moves back to the water heater for rewarming and hot water moves toward the faucet so it's ready whenever you need it. Two types of recirculators are commonly available.

Full recirculating pump. This system requires that an additional hot-water line be installed in your plumbing system. A separate line prevents the unwanted mixing of hot and cold water.

Comfort-pump system. This system uses your existing cold-water pipe to move unused cold water back to the water heater. It costs less, and it's easier to install.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Water Recirculator

In addition to enjoying greater convenience, you'll also be saving water. That's a big plus during droughts, and it keeps your water bill low year-round. While these pumps use electricity, many include programmable timers and sensors that let you run them only when you most need them. They can be turned off at night and while you're at work. If you don't have an outlet under your sink, though, you'll need to install one.

The purchase cost and installation requirements of a full recirculating pump mean comfort-pump systems are more practical for most homeowners. The downside of these systems is that you'll have hot water in your cold-water line, so you might need to run the faucet a bit to get cold water.

Thinking about adding a water recirculator to your home? Contact us at Air Assurance from anywhere around Broken Arrow.

Which Immediate Plumbing Issues Could Come Up This Winter?

Winter is the busiest period of the year for many plumbing companies. The challenges that the season poses to plumbing systems usually lead to certain household plumbing emergencies. Below are the immediate plumbing issues that commonly come up in the winter, along with what you can do to avoid them.

Frozen Pipes

The cold temperatures outside can make unprotected pipes freeze easily, one of many troubling and immediate plumbing issues. Frozen pipes are one of the most serious plumbing issues. Frozen pipes can crack or burst and lead to thousands of dollars' worth of damage in just minutes. You can avoid this issue by adding insulation to your pipes, especially those in uninsulated areas and on exterior walls.

Water-Heater Failure

Your water heater works its hardest in the winter, which increases its likelihood of breaking down. If your unit fails to deliver hot water or struggles to meet demand, it may be necessary to repair or replace it.

Having your water heater serviced every year is essential to keeping it performing as expected. Nevertheless, water heaters function optimally for around 10 years. If your water heater is on its last legs, consider scheduling a replacement.

Clogged Kitchen Drains

With low temperatures, kitchens, and kitchen sinks get a workout as people cook more. More fat, grease, and bits of food are sent down the drain. Clogs occur more often, as the food waste clumps, congeals, and freezes in the cold.

You can prevent your kitchen drains from clogging — one of many immediate plumbing issues — by avoiding putting any grease or fat down the drains and not grinding fibrous, sticky, or extremely hard objects in the garbage disposal.

Frozen Septic or Sewer Lines

The waste inside sewer lines can freeze as the ground around the lines freezes. The waste expands gradually as it freezes and may eventually burst a line or the septic tank. Have your tank pumped before the cold winter months to remove waste and prevent this problem. Schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection if your sewer system has had any issues during the year.

Proactive maintenance goes a long way toward preventing plumbing emergencies. For assistance with any immediate plumbing issues or maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

Do You Need a Specific Cold Weather Pipe in Winter?

The winter brings with it not only holiday cheer but also colder weather. Frozen pipes is a common plumbing issue during the colder parts of the year. If you have dealt with frozen pipes in the past, you may be wondering if cold weather pipes are a possible solution. Pipes can be made of many different materials, and each reacts to the cold differently. Here is a brief overview of three common pipe materials and how each performs as cold weather pipes.

Three Common Pipe Materials When Considering Cold Weather Pipes

1. Copper. A classic pipe material, copper offers some advantages and disadvantages in the winter. Copper pipes are the most vulnerable to bursts caused by freezing water due to a lack of flexibility and expandability. However, copper pipes can generate heat quickly if exposed to warm conditions.

1. PVC and CPVC. Similar in design, PVC and CPVC are very hard, rigid plastics that can be used as pipe material. In the cold, PVC/CPVC does not lose heat as fast as metal pipes. PVC/CPVC, while being sturdy materials, are also more flexible than metal, meaning they won’t burst as fast when freezing occurs. However, PVC/CPVC can become brittle and start to break if exposed to extreme cold for too long.

2. PEX. These types of pipes are made of cross-linked polyethylenes and are very flexible and long. Due to its high levels of flexibility, PEX pipes require a great deal of pressure from freezing water to burst. While extreme pressure can cause bursting, PEX offers higher levels of resistance compared to copper and PVC pipes.

When You Need HVAC and Plumbing Service This Winter

At Air Assurance, we help homeowners in Broken Arrow and all surrounding areas with their heating and cooling needs. If you need expert advice to keep your home safe and warm this winter, we can help. No matter if the problem is frozen pipes, drafty windows, or an aging HVAC unit, we can provide the information and service you need to correct these issues. Contact us today to learn more about cold weather pipes.

Keep Working Pipes in Your Home This Winter

One of the most stressful problems of winter is the possibility of frozen pipes. Are your pipes ready for the coming season? It's always worthwhile to review all your home's pipes every heating season to ensure that they can hold up to freezing temperatures when they occur. Let's have a look at some of the measures you may want to take to protect your pipes so you can ensure they remain working pipes during and beyond the cold spell.

Ensuring Working Pipes

The pipes most vulnerable to freezing are those located in a northern exterior wall. This could be bathroom or kitchen pipes or pipes that serve some other purpose. Pipes in basements, garages, the attic, and outside may also freeze. Here are ways to keep them from freezing.

1. When a hard freeze threatens, wrap exposed pipes in insulation. You can acquire insulation sleeves from the home store. Heat tape wrapped around the pipes is also effective. Place a protective cover on outdoor faucets.

2. Close up minute holes and cracks around pipes that travel through an exterior wall. Otherwise, cold air from even the tiniest cracks may cause pipes to freeze. Use caulk or insulation.

3. When a cold-weather event is imminent, leave open cabinet doors where pipes are located to be sure warm air gets inside.

4. Turn on faucets, allowing water to run at a slow drip. With water running through the pipes, they are less likely to freeze.

5. If you normally set the thermostat a few degrees lower overnight, it's best to change your routine and bump the thermostat setting upward to ensure the house stays warm.

6. For particularly vulnerable pipes — say, in the garage or basement — you might want to turn on a space heater.

7. Going away during the cold spell? Don't set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees. Have someone check on your home to make sure the heating is working and that no pipes have frozen.

For more on maintaining working pipes, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area to make sure homeowners have working pipes and everything else they need when it comes to their HVAC system.

What You Need to Know About HVAC vs. Plumbing

On the surface, your HVAC and plumbing systems seem very different. One deals in air, the other in water. However, they also function together in your home and are connected in ways you might not realize. Here's a look at HVAC vs. plumbing in your home.

Moisture and Humidity

Both your plumbing and HVAC systems have to handle a lot of moisture, and they're designed to keep it contained. A leaking pipe in your bathroom causes not just water damage but higher humidity. Your HVAC system reduces humidity as it heats or cools the air, but if you have plumbing problems, the system might not be able to get rid of all the excess moisture. This then leads to bacteria, mold, mildew, and other problems in your home.

Meanwhile, as your plumbing is dealing with humidity issues, your HVAC system may have to deal with clogged or leaking pipes. Your AC creates a significant amount of moisture as it cools the air. That moisture must then be drained.

Most AC condensate drain lines are separate from your plumbing system, but some are connected. Without proper maintenance, the drain line can become clogged over time, causing leaks and water damage, just like a plumbing leak. For this reason, you should clean your drain line periodically.

Service and Repair

When it comes to HVAC vs. plumbing, the other major similarity is in keeping them functioning properly. They're two very different jobs, which require very different learned skills. However, in looking for a skilled plumber or HVAC technician, the criteria are similar.

They should be certified in the specific work they're performing, particularly when it comes to installing new equipment. They should also be licensed, bonded, and insured, to protect you in case of any problems or damages. Finding someone you trust to do the work you need who ticks all these boxes is a difficult job. This is why many companies have technicians who will service both.

For help with both your HVAC and plumbing needs, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable and efficient all year long.