Catenzaro & Sons Plumbing Discusses Frozen Pipes During Cold Winter Months

The cost of dealing with a frozen pipe or dealing with a burst pipe due to winter's ice and cold can be expensive. Local Chicago area plumbers give us some tips to keep the water flowing and save some money this season.

Crystal Lake, IL (PRWEB) December 09, 2012

Through the winter months, Crystal Lake plumbers, Catenzaro & Sons Plumbing, handle a lot of calls throughout the greater Chicago area including Algonquin, McHenry, Elgin, and Cary. The types of calls these plumbing contractors handle run the full range of services including installing hook ups for appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, replacing hot water heaters, troubleshooting leaking pipes and faucets, new construction, flooded basements, bathroom remodels, and more. Providing 24 hour emergency plumbing services, however, Catenzaro & Sons gets a lot of calls for frozen and burst pipes. With average temperatures dropping as low as the teens during the coldest parts of the season, this is not much of a surprise. There are some things that can be done to prevent pipes from freezing and some things you should do if you do have the problem, the plumbing contractor explains.

One of the biggest problems with pipes that burst due to an accumulation of ice and pressure is the homeowner's lack of preparedness and awareness. For example, if a home has any pipes outdoors—a backflow attached to the side of the house and going into the ground--those pipes should be protected somehow from the snow and ice that is liable to build up on them otherwise. Local home repair stores carry insulating foam designed for pipes that can be purchased and then cut to size on location. In a pinch, home owners can wrap pipes in a blanket. Keeping the ice and snow from directly touching the pipe can make a huge difference.

With homes that may be vacant during the holiday season, it is important not to completely shut off the heat. If the heat is totally off, the house can get cold and fast. The indoor pipes were not made to withstand frigid outdoor temperatures. It is recommended to keep the thermostat around 50 degrees and open any cabinets or closets that may house plumbing. The plumber in Crystal Lake states this is important, because the warm air can be kept from the pipes leading to freezing even with the heat on. Also, if a homeowner comes across a frozen line, they should not try to thaw it with heat—doing this improperly can be detrimental.

When faced with a burst pipe, it is important to take action quickly. The repair costs will be lower, if the issue is addressed as soon as possible. A burst pipe can end up meaning more than a plumbing repair depending where the pipe is and how long it goes before being noticed. First, turn off the water supply. This can sometimes be done for the specific line or a portion of the home. In some cases, the main water supply outside will need to be turned off. The next step would be to begin drying and soaking up the water that was let loose from the pipe—sponges, towels, buckets, wet vacs, and heaters can all be useful here. You want to prevent as much water as possible from getting into carpets, walls, cabinetry, furniture, and so on.

The next most important thing is to locate the leak. A small crack may be able to be patched relatively quickly and easily. Larger problems may require replacing entire plumbing lines. If homeowners are unfamiliar with plumbing repairs, it is definitely recommended that they turn toward the help of a professional plumber. Improperly repaired plumbing can leak, burst, or otherwise fail in the future causing even greater problems.

About Catenzaro & Sons Plumbing: Crystal Lake, IL plumbers provide plumbing contractor and emergency plumbing in Chicago, Algonquin, McHenry, and other nearby places. Family owned and operated, they make customer service their number one priority.

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