Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

The cold temperatures have just begun, and they came on fast. You may not have properly prepared your pipes for winter. The risk of getting frozen pipes during extremely cold weather conditions is high, especially when homeowners go on vacation or when they leave water in outdoor plumping systems. While you can prepare the plumping system for winter in order to try to prevent frozen or broken pipes, there are certainly instances where prevention may not be possible. In the event that your home experiences frozen water pipes, a professional plumber can repair the damage to your system and help prevent this disaster from happening again.

Frozen water pipes are a nuisance, but even worse, they can cause quite a bit of expensive and extensive damage. The water lines in the garage or that are more exposed to the outdoor temperatures are more prone to becoming frozen. When the water within freezes, the pipes can burst and cause damage to the integrity of your home and the belongings within it.

Professional plumbers in Boston, MA at Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating can help avert or repair a water pipe disaster. In addition to thawing the frozen pipe properly, they also have the knowledge, skills, and experience to find any other leaks or cracks in your water lines, and make the necessary repairs to prevent issues in your plumbing system in the future.

To find out more about the professional plumbers in Massachusetts, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

To prevent frozen pipes in your home during extremely cold weather conditions, hire professional plumbers in Boston, MA. Professional plumbers can pick up signs that pipes have the potential for freezing and can offer tips for prevention.

Homeowners can prevent frozen water pipes which are all too common during very cold temperatures like those we have been experience in Worcester and Boston this winter. If you have water supply lines in the garage, adjacent laundry room, or other cold or uninsulated area you have the potential for frozen water pipes. Most homes have pipes that run under counters and within cabinets. One preventive measure is to keep cabinet doors open in order let the warm air circulate and reach the pipe line underneath. Let the cold water in the faucet drip slowly overnight and periodically flush the toilet. This keeps the water moving so it is less likely to freeze. Keeping your house heated at 68 degrees or higher can also help.

While you can prepare for the cold, an expert plumber can help get your plumbing prepared as well. Professional plumbers can determine where the air is getting into your house and seal your pipes it immediately with insulation or other pipe insulation techniques. This ensures that exposed pipes will be properly insulated with pipe sleeves or heat cables.

To find out what needs to be done to keep your water pipes freezing, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from homeowners regarding frozen water lines and related issues.

Why are water service lines freezing this winter? 

Due to the prolonged extreme temperatures experienced this winter, the frost in the ground is deeper than normal. It is important to understand that even when air temperatures begin to increase, the frost in the ground will continue to advance deeper. This will continue as long as temperatures remain cold, and for several weeks beyond, even as permanent warm spring time temperatures arrive.

Whose responsibility is it to re-establish a frozen water service line?

It is the responsibility of property owners to maintain their service line. The service line extends from the city water main to the water meter. In most cases, the problem with freezing occurs in the private service line. However, if the city water main freezes, it is the responsibility of the city to restore water service in the main.

What can I do to prevent my pipes from freezing as well as my service line?

The standard recommendation is to run the water at a stream of approximately a pencil diameter to keep water flowing through the private service line.

At what water temperature should I begin to worry about my water service line freezing?

The normal temperature of water entering a building should be between 47 and 58 degrees. If the measured temperature is in the mid- to upper 30-degree-range it is strongly recommended that a steady stream of water through a cold water faucet be left running.

Let the cold water run for a minute or two to ensure that water from the service line is being measured, because water left standing in the building plumbing system will have a higher temperature.

What will it cost to keep a stream of water flowing through my service line?

Running a constant stream of water the approximate size of a pencil will cost you about $2.50 per day.

What should I do if I suspect my water service line is frozen?

The responsibility of maintaining the service line is with the property owner. One option an owner has, and is typically the first step, is to contact a plumber who has the appropriate equipment to thaw a service line. In some cases, special equipment can be used within the building to thaw the ice in the water service line.

What do I do if I see water bubbling from the ground or cracks in the street?

If water is flowing from the ground or cracks in the street, it is most likely a water leak, either on the water main or on a private service line. Contact your city or town engineering department.

For more information on plumbing and water line issues, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

globegazette.com