WATER PIPE FREEZE SERVICES

WATER PIPE FREEZE REPAIRS - TULSA OK

The cost of household water damage due to frozen pipes averages about $15,000. Though pooling water typically freezes at 32 degrees, outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees or lower are usually required to freeze water inside household pipes. Once it happens, ice formation inside a pipe typically expands by about 9%, imposing tremendous pressure inside the pipe, all too frequently causing a pipe rupture. The fact that a pipe has broken due to freezing may not be apparent until later, when temperatures rise and the pipe thaws.

A typical home water-supply line has a flow rate averaging 8 to 10 gallons per minute. If that pipe ruptures, the amount of water turned loose in your home can wreak severe damage on the structure of the house as well as on your possessions. However, you’re not helpless against the threat of damage that may occur due to frozen pipes. Here are some preventive measures you can take before frigid weather, as well as what to do once it strikes.

• Insulate now. Before cold weather strikes, install foam pipe insulation on all accessible spans of both cold- and hot-water pipes inside and under the house. The insulation reduces heat loss from the pipe and helps avoid ice formation that causes rupture.

• Turn up the thermostat. If extremely cold temperatures below 25 degrees are forecast, set the furnace thermostat to 70 degrees and maintain that temperature as long as frigid conditions persist.

• Let the faucets drip. Opening cold-water faucets to allow a slow drip of water during low temperatures reduces pressure inside pipes that occurs if ice forms. This can make the difference between merely frozen pipes and a ruptured pipe that causes water damage.

• Circulate warm air. Open cabinet doors and closets in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to reach exposed pipes in those areas.

• Know the location of your house's main water shut-off valve. Test it once a year to ensure it turns freely.

For more advice about preventing frozen pipes and the damage that ensues, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

What Winter Plumbing Issues Are Most Common?

Broken Arrow's cold winter weather tends to amplify certain plumbing issues. Knowing more about these winter plumbing issues, including how to prevent them, helps you save time and money on repairs. Here's a closer look at the common winter plumbing problems you may encounter.

Frozen Pipes

It's not unusual for outdoor and indoor pipes to freeze during the winter months. You can have a buildup of water around your outdoor spigots. Frigid temperatures can make the water freeze, which leads to excess pressure, which can cause your pipes to break or leak.

To prevent your pipes from freezing, disconnect all your garden hoses from exterior taps. Use insulated faucet jackets to cover the taps. If some of your water pipes run along exterior walls behind cabinets, open the cabinets at night to allow warm air to reach them.

Clogged Drains

Increased kitchen use in the winter can cause significant chaos in your plumbing system. Food accumulates more easily in your pipes during the winter.

If your home lacks a garbage disposal, you should throw as many food particles as possible into the trash. Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should throw any questionable food scraps in your trash bin, because your winter comfort foods could solidify in your pipes. Also, grease can significantly damage your pipes. Avoid pouring it down the disposal or drain.

Failing Water Heater

The temperature drop can overtax your water heater. You may suddenly have no hot water due to several reasons. The pilot light on your gas water heater may have gone out. The temperature gauge may not be at the right temperature. Excess residue may also be seeping into your water tank and overstraining your system. You can avoid significant problems by having your heater looked at by a professional early in the season.

Even if you don't have a winter plumbing issue now, it's always a good idea to schedule preventive maintenance to make sure your plumbing system is ready for the winter. For more information on winter plumbing concerns, contact the experienced plumbers at Air Assurance. We offer a range of plumbing services, including repairs, remodels, and a Plumbing Service Plan to ensure your Broken Arrow-area home's plumbing system works correctly.