Preventing Frozen or Burst Pipes, Guarding Against Exposure
When winter is here in the Lower Mainland you never know when we are going to get hit with freezing temperatures. To avoid the bother and expense of a flood due to a pipe burst, take preventive action now.
You can check for exposed pipes yourself
If you see any exposed plumbing that does not have a protective insulation then we suggest you pick up plumbing insulation at a local hardware store. If you would rather call a professional for the job we will be happy to assist.
Is Freezing a Concern in Coquitlam?
The truth is that it doesn’t often get cold enough in the Coquitlam area for
frozen pipe problems to occur, but it does happen – sometimes without warning – and is something you need to be prepared for.
Pipes that are exposed to outside cold, such as hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water supply pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets can be at risk. Pipes running against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
Call us To Fix a Plumbing Leak
If you happen to find a
plumbing leak anywhere in your home or business call us right away top take care of it. We have the men and equipment to fix things and mop up the mess.
Click or tap the blue button for our office number.
How Do You Fix a Burst Pipe?
Burst pipe repair
is an important and necessary service whenever you have a burst pipe on your property. If you would like to take on your burst pipe repair, you will need some tools and materials to start the process. These materials include a mini copper-pipe cutter, steel wool, lead-free solder, soldering paste, a torch kit (which includes a torch and striker). You will also need a good ½ inch copper pipe, a stop and waste valve, and ½ inch copper fittings. The steps are extensive. However, the first step is the most important: shut off the main valve where water comes into the house. The lowest fixture in the house can be used to drain the water. A pipe cutter can be used to remove the desired section of the pipe. A section of copper pipe should be cut to fit the specified section. The steel wool can next be used to clean both the pipe and inside the stop and waste valve.
Next, spread soldering flux on the outside of the pipe end and inside the valve fitting. After that has been done, you can slide the valve fitting on the end of the pipe. With safety goggles in place, you can use a propane torch to heat the fitting and the pipe where they connect. At this point, you can push about two inches of solder into the joint where the valve connects to the pipe. As always, it is important to utilize safety precautions. You should always contact a reputable plumber to oversee any important plumbing process.
Why Do Pipes Burst?
There are a number of reasons why pipes burst. Please read through the following reasons why pipes burst to learn more.
Poorly insulated pipes. Exposed pipes are prone to freezing, even in climates that are naturally warm. That’s why it’s important to insulate them with pipe sleeves.
Increased water pressure. When too much water pressure is introduced into a plumbing system, the increased water pressure can cause a pipe to burst where there may be some vulnerabilities.
Rats or rodents. There are times when rats or rodents chew on pipes. This means that if a PVC pipe is exposed to rodents, and they chew on it, you can have a burst pipe on your hands.
How to Fix Burst Pipe in a Wall
If you have a burst pipe in your wall, you will need to address it procedurally. The first thing you will need to do is cut out sections of the damaged drywall with a saw. Next, you will need to wrap a sheet around the pipe. Place a container beneath the broken pipe. Cut the pipe below the leak. Dry the pipe. Then cut above the leak with a pipe cutter and clean the pipe. Then you can mount a copper repair sleeve. As usual, you will need to consult with a licensed and insured plumber to ensure that all procedures are up to code.
If this is what you are dealing with right now, call us right away so we can send someone over as soon as possible.
