There are several reasons that a dwelling may need the water pipes drained to prevent freeze damage in the winter. The structure may be a vacation property, a house on the market for sale or even an unoccupied apartment. Most unoccupied structures at least maintain minimal heat in the winter. However, heating systems can fail,…
Blocked drains are a big problem at any time of year. They can be even a bigger problem during the winter months. Clogged drains are often caused by items like hair and food. Pipes shrink during colder weather. Debris can get trapped in smaller pipes. A clogged plumbing pipe with stuck or even frozen material…
You need hot water more in the winter than any other time of year. The last thing you want is for your water heater to fail in the winter and leave you without hot water for your morning shower. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your heater and help it run strong…
Sewer gas odors not only smell horrible, they can make your family ill. Caused by methane and bacteria, this odor in the winter months means something isn’t right with your plumbing. Proper maintenance and inspection of all your plumbing will help keep the system in working order, and keep the odors at bay. What is…
If you live in a climate that regularly experiences harsh, cold winters, you probably already know that the pipes that transport water to your bathtub, shower and faucets can be damaged by freezing water. However, many people don’t know how to avoid frozen pipes, simply hoping that they won’t reach winter while preparing for the…
Frozen pipes in your home can limit or even prevent the use of water in your home until the pipes are thawed. In some cases, frozen water in pipes will cause pipes to break, and this can cause significant repair cost as well as the possibility of water damage. By following a few key tips,…
The hectic lifestyle that most lead can be overwhelming enough. Add a plumbing emergency to your busy lifestyle and you have the makings of one of the more frustrating situations a homeowner can face. Since a major plumbing emergency typically happens at the most inopportune time, why not think ahead and get the contact information…
Frozen and broken water pipes are among the most claims and the highest claims paid by insurance companies in the U.S. With the winter chill full steam ahead, here are just a few tips to keep you vacation property plumbing systems in tip -top shape: • Insulate your pipes – Foam sleeves are an excellent…
Most homeowners spend little time thinking about their drains, but when a stoppage occurs, it can be frustrating. You don’t know how it happened, nor do you know how to fix it. There are a variety of reasons that a drain can become clogged, and much of it depends upon where the stoppage occurs. Unlike…
Wastewater, and sewage, flows towards the lowest point of the plumbing system. This trait is used in most home plumbing systems. The wastewater pipes of each level of the home slope towards a central stack that carries the materials to the lowest level of the home. The base of the stack connects to the wastewater…