Auburn/Opelika
In this basic plumbing emergency post, we look at frozen pipes and how to patch a leaking pipe. This information is presented to give homeowners a rudimentary understanding of what’s involved and what they can do working alongside a plumber.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
During cold weather, pipes in your walls, attic or under your floor can freeze. Frozen pipes crack or burst because as water freezes it expands. Note: The cracks may not be dramatic and immediately visible, but they will leak when the ice melts. Unless it’s in a high traffic area, chances are you won’t even notice until water begins pooling and damage is done.
Plumbing is the one system in our home that requires a fair amount of attention and interaction from homeowners. Many of us can fix day-to-day annoyances, make simple repairs, even upgrade fixtures, but for the big repairs and emergencies we need to establish a trusting relationship with a plumber or plumbing contractor.
In the following series of posts, we look at a variety of plumbing issues — from emergencies, to water leaks and repairs, to unclogging drains, to dealing with pipe and water supply issues, to installing or repairing plumbing appliances like garbage disposers. These are presented to give homeowners a basic understanding of what’s involved and what they can do working alongside a plumber.
There is never a convenient time for any emergency, let alone plumbing. In order to minimize water damage and repair costs, swift and decisive action is needed before the arrival of a plumber. The only way to act quickly and confidently is to be prepared.
Leaks can waste water, damage your home and encourage unwanted organic growth, not to mention increase water bills. Unfortunately, because you cannot see most of the pipework in your home, you may not always know that a leak has formed. One of the best ways to protect your home from future leaks is to understand and look for common situations that cause leaks to develop.
Water pressure helps facilitate the function of a surplus of everyday tasks like taking a shower, watering the grass, using the restroom and drinking a glass of water. However, like most things, water pressure requires the right balance because if it is too high or low it can cause some issues. Most appliances and fixtures require the water pressure to be approximately 80 Pounds Per Square Inch, or PSI. This measurement also equates to around 5.5 bars. Ensuring the proper water pressure helps to maintain the right amount of force moving through your pipes.
Ben Franklin Southeast provides professional leak location services. These services are extremely precise and if required, a customer is charged a premium rate due to the equipment cost and time involved. These detection services are guaranteed to find leaks within 6 to 8 feet of the leak. Leaks can be found under counters, slabs or within a wall. Hiring a professional to tend to this kind of problem is best if the issue is severe. However, for smaller leaks, you can save money and find the solution yourself.
Here are our tips to assess leaks:
Read more: Become a Seasoned Plumbing Pioneer: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Leaks
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