Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

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

Is it time for you to start your bathroom remodeling project? To get the best results it is important to consult with a professional plumber before you start your bathroom remodel. Here are the main reasons.

Save Time

A bathroom remodeling project is a complex procedure that takes a considerable amount of time, money and effort. By consulting with a professional plumber, you can help to save time. With the knowledge and expertise of a professional plumber, you can easily transform your bathroom into the space you are looking for.

Save Money

When you consult with a professional plumber for a bathroom remodel, you can help to save money on your project in the long run. A plumbing professional will have the knowledge and skills needed to properly install all of your fixtures. By hiring a professional to perform your installation, you will eliminate the need for costly repairs and adjustments down the road.

More Options and Ideas

A professional plumber can provide you with access to a wide variety of plumbing fixtures and faucets. When you consult with a professional plumbing service, you will have the ability to select between many styles and products.

For assistance with your next bathroom remodeling project, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

highlandpark.suntimes.com

Extremely low temperatures have become the norm creating a long busy winter season for plumbing companies because of frozen pipes and malfunctioning furnaces.

More and more homeowners are experiencing problems with flooding, frozen pipes and even frozen drain lines that started just before Christmas. More and more homeowners are contending with malfunctioning furnaces and frozen pipes in this latest round of below-normal temperatures.

To prevent frozen pipes, homeowners should be aware of the obvious causes like cracks in the walls or broken windows. Another cause of frozen pipes that most homeowners don’t think about is the cold air coming in through the dryer vents.

If you don't have a damper on your dryer vent, the wind will blow right in there. A lot of time you see dryer vents that are right near water pipes. The cold air will follow the vent right in and freeze the pipe.

Some homeowners attempt to address problems with frozen pipes themselves. Oftentimes this can be a recipe for disaster, since the average person does not have the proper equipment or training to deal with these plumbing issues.

Here are a few important suggestions for homeowners while they are waiting for professional plumbers to arrive. Locate your main water shutoff and turn it off after the pipe has frozen and before a pipe bursts in order to prevent flooding. Additionally, rather than using an open flame, which can lead to insulation igniting, Apply heat from an electric hair dryer or a hot rag on the frozen pipes.

Preventive measures are also good to keep in mind. The ideal temperature to keep the thermostat varies depending on the age of the home. If you have an older home you'll want to keep it a little warmer, newer homes are better insulated and don't seem to have as many problems. If you have a crawl space in your house you probably want to keep it at least 65 or 70 degrees.

Before the next winter season, wrap heat tape around your piping system to keep the heat around the pipes before they freeze or using foam pipe or regular pipe insulation. Another simple fix is to leave a faucet running a bit to keep water moving through your piping system since generally moving water does not freeze.

If you pipes have frozen, contact Greater Boston Heating and Plumbing.

WGRZ

We have been having some very cold winter temperatures. As a result, we have seen too many homes with frozen pipes. Too often this winter, we have heard, “What should you do if my pipes freeze?”

If you turn on a faucet and get no water, your pipes may be frozen. If your pipes freeze, there are some procedures that you can follow to thaw them. The sooner the problem is recognized, the better chance that damage will be minimized.

Some techniques for thawing frozen pipes include:

• If possible, expose a boxed-in area to the inside heat. An example includes opening some ceiling tiles if your home has a drop ceiling.
• Use a heat gun. However, be extremely careful as the heat from the heat gun will ignite any wood or paper it contacts.
• DO NOT use torches to thaw pipes!
• Rubbing the pipes with warm, damp rags may slowly thaw the line.
• If you do not have water for an extended period of time, special attention should be given to hot water heaters and boilers.

What should I do if a pipe breaks?

Shut off your water immediately, using your home's shutoff valve. Then contact a plumber if water pipes freeze.

Where are my shutoff valves?

There are actually two major shutoff valves in line with your service. The first valve is generally located near the property line and is normally housed by a cylinder with a cap on it called the curb box. The other major valve is located in the home next to the water meter. Other valves may be near plumbing appliances such as sinks and toilets.

Keeping your main valve in good working condition will assure you that you will be able to turn your water off in the event of an emergency, in case one of your water pipes breaks, for example.

What if my main valve does not work in an emergency?

Call your local Public Works Department so that they can shut off your water immediately. If you have determined that your water pipes have frozen, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Weather.com