Pipe Thawing Services in Franklin, IN
Residents of Franklin, IN, are all too familiar with just how cold it can be outside during the winter months. These conditions can be just as hard on systems within their homes as they are on people. One system that the frigid temperatures pose a particular risk to is the plumbing system.
The plumbing technicians at Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling have been working in Franklin, IN, and the surrounding communities for over 50 years, helping to protect plumbing systems against the elements and to restore homes in the events that the pipes do freeze. Keep reading to learn more about the services we offer.
How Do Pipes Freeze?
Not all pipes that carry water inside our homes are protected from the exterior cold during the winter. Some pipes run too close to a home’s exterior to benefit from indoor heating and others inside may not be adequately insulated, such as pipes located in garages or basements. This means that any time the air temperature or wind chill drops to 32º Fahrenheit or below, the water inside these pipes could freeze.
What Happens When a Pipe Freezes?
A frozen pipe presents more than just the inconvenience of blocked water flow. Several other consequences can lead to major damage inside a home and that damage can occur very quickly. That’s why it’s critical that homeowners whose pipes have frozen contact Summers immediately so we can safely and correctly thaw their frozen pipes.
If pipes remain frozen, homeowners risk:
- Breaking or cracking of pipes as water expands into ice
- Water leaks inside the home’s walls
- Water leaks inside the foundation that threaten a home’s structural integrity
- Extensive water damage and flooding
- Temporary displacement if widespread repairs are necessary
- Expensive repairs
Though some may be tempted to allow frozen pipes to resolve themselves or try to save money and thaw them with a do-it-yourself approach, avoiding these consequences make any costs associated with professional services worth the investment.
How Does Pipe Thawing Work?
There are a few different methods that plumbing technicians from Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling can use to thaw frozen pipes in a home depending on what material the pipes themselves are made of.
For homes with metal piping, specialized pipe-thawing machines are a great tool. These machines run an electric current through the pipes that work to melt any built-up ice inside. These machines are ideal for interior pipes because they can treat over 100 feet of piping at a time, meaning our plumbing technicians do not have to open walls to access hidden piping.
PVC pipes cannot conduct the electrical currents used by pipe thawing machines, so other methods have to be used. These include heat lamps and blankets that slowly warm the pipes and work to prevent them from breaking. Whenever they can, our plumbing technicians avoid opening walls to access pipes, however, it may be necessary since heat lamps are not effective at reaching pipes behind walls. Heat lamps and blankets also take longer to thaw pipes than thawing machines do. Despite these potential drawbacks, these thawing methods are still less expensive than being forced to repipe a home due to widespread pipe breakages.
When Should Plumbing Professionals Be Contacted?
Pipes don’t only freeze during regular business hours Monday-Friday, which is why Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling has teams ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if homeowners suspect their pipes are freezing. The sooner homeowners can contact us, the sooner we can start treating the pipes and hopefully prevent widespread damages to both the pipes and the home.
When they arrive, our plumbing technicians will work to quickly locate the frozen pipes and start the thawing process while trying to minimize any water damage that could result as the ice melts.
Local Pipe Thawing Services
Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been providing pipe thawing services, along with other plumbing and HVAC services, to residents of Franklin, IN, since 1969. We strive to provide the best-in-the-business customer service and pricing. We guarantee that we can beat or match any competitors’ service pricing.
When you all Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling, you can feel confident that the work will be done right the first time and under all local rules and regulations. This is because each technician that works with us receives thorough training and has years of experience. They also carry all the required licenses, certifications, and insurance.
If you need help with your home’s plumbing system, give us a call today.
