A cracked or broken pipe in your home or business can lead to irreparable damage. Even in Texas, a significant cold snap, like the one that hit Dallas during the Super Bowl in 2011, can result in freezing that cracks or breaks a water pipe. Though you may be able to replace drywall or repair other structural damage, other items, including documents, keepsakes and such, may be lost forever. There are steps that you can take to minimize the risk of a broken pipe.
At Public Service Plumbers, we have set the standard of excellence for reliability and customer service for more than 50 years. We make our services available throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Call us at (214) 753-4633 to schedule a service visit, or to learn about the most effective ways to heat and cool your home.
Proactive Measures to Protect Your Water Pipes
The biggest threat of broken or cracked water pipes comes from cold weather. If you have water in your pipes, it will expand as it freezes. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk, including:
- Before the onset of colder weather, drain all pipes that won’t be used, such as pipes to outdoor faucets or spigots. If possible, turn the water off inside your home or business and then open the faucet to drain it.
- You can insulate pipes, using either standard batting (wrap around the pipe and tape securely), or you can purchase a pipe sleeve, heat cables or heat tape.
- Close off any air vents, access doors or cracks that will allow cold air into the space where your pipes are located. Be careful, though, not to seal the air vent to or from your furnace, heat pump or water heater. You can purchase foam rubber insulation that will seal doors, or use caulking, if necessary.
- If necessary, let the water drip in a sink that is seldom used—Water that is allowed to flow, even at a very slow rate, will be less likely to freeze. You may allow water to drip in a utility sink, and can even do this with an outdoor spigot, if you don’t have a shut-off valve.
The other major cause of pipe leaks stems from poor or negligent installation. If a plumbing project is complex, you are always better off to pay a professional, so that the job is done right.
Call Us Now
For service, or if you just have questions about a heating or cooling system, call us at (214) 753-4633. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week—whenever you need our help. Because we have a large service fleet, we can often address warranty and service issues the same day. We also offer a one year warranty on all parts and labor.