The Sunny Plumber Discusses Frozen Pipes

Jan. 21, 2016 - PRLog -- Although temperatures in Las Vegas are currently warmer than other parts of the nation, the plumbing pros at The Sunny Plumber Las Vegas know many local residents spend the winter season in places with colder climates.  If you have a winter home, you must remember to plan for the seasonal differences in the winter-time, including your home’s pipes.

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent the freezing of water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

Remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable" or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

If you have a frozen pipe, these suggestions can help with the aftermath:

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials) or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can’t thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber like The Sunny Plumber.

Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

About

The Sunny Plumber is a trusted residential and commercial plumbing repairmen service with locations in Phoenix, AZ. and Las Vegas, NV.  Best known for high quality, reliable and fast plumbing services, The Sunny Plumber offers comprehensive plumbing services including drain and sewer work, water heaters, water treatment and commercial plumbing systems.  The Sunny Plumber has 24/7 emergency services available for before and after regular service hours and offers whole-house plumbing system inspection and safety checks with every plumbing call.  For more information visit www.thesunnyplumber.com.