Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience! An average of a quarter-million families has
their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter. all because of water pipes
that freeze, burst and destroy. No matter how cold the weather becomes the need for
water is a never-ending one, and therefore, getting frozen burst pipes fixed becomes
mandatory.
What are Frozen Pipes?
Frozen pipes are sections of piping where the water in the pipe becomes frozen (like an
ice cube) due to temperatures surrounding the piping being below the freezing point of
water 32 ⁰F / 0 ⁰C. Once this section of piping freezes water can no longer move
through the piping. As the water in the piping freezes the water expands causing the
piping to burst ultimately causing a leak or flooding in the surrounding areas. To prevent
freezing from occurring piping is often insulated, the insulation is wrapped around the
piping but is only effective as to the rating of the insulation.
How is a frozen pipe fixed?
A plumber usually fixes a non-burst frozen pipe by thawing the frozen section of piping.
This process involves locating the frozen section, followed by turning off the water
supply and marking the frozen section of piping. The plumber then begins to warm the
frozen area of the pipe starting at the end of the piping which is closer to the outlet or
faucet. Once the water inside the piping begins to warm the section of ice is pushed to
the outlet and released. If the ice gets stuck further down the piping the plumber will
begin the process again until the ice exits or the water begins to flow. Once a section of
piping freezes the piping in the frozen section has been put under stress and now is
vulnerable to rupture in the future. In order to restraighten that section of piping
FREEZE-FIX can be used to reinforce the area and complete a frozen pipe repair. If
during the freezing of the pipe the water expansion causes the piping to burst FREEZE-
FIX can also be used to reinforce the burst area, but to also stop the leak and create a
frozen pipe repair as well.
How to prevent pipes from freezing?
The first sign of ice forming in pipes is reduced flow at faucets. So, if the flow slows to a
trickle during a cold snap, or if you suspect your pipes are vulnerable, take action. Here’s
how to make sure your pipes don’t freeze:
1. Turn up the heat.
2.Set up fans to blow heat into cold rooms.
3.Open vanity or cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes under sinks.
4. If you have exposed pipes inside closets or pantries, leave doors open.
5. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Even frost proof outdoor
faucets can burst if a hose is connected.
6. Keep the garage door closed.
7. Wrap exposed piping with insulation where they are located in crawl spaces,
attics and garages.
Repair frozen pipes without any tools: FREEZE-FIX
A little ice can tear open a water supply line. That’s bad enough, but the real disaster
often occurs as the ice thaws and water flows freely into your home. In just a few
minutes, that flow can do thousands of dollars in damage. When water freezes, it
expands in volume by about 9 percent. And it expands with tremendous force: The
pressure inside pipes may go from 40 pounds per square inch to 40,000 psi! No pipe
can hold that much pressure, so it breaks open. FREEZE-FIX was invented to repair
those burst pipes while stopping the leak from destroying anymore of the surrounds. It
works in subzero temperatures and requires no tools to work. Simply clean the surface
of the pipe, apply the epoxy putty to the break/burst area, activate the tape in water,
wrap the entire area with the tape, the job is done!
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. Its always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.