Take Your Time With Frozen Pipes

By: Scott Rodgers Click author's name for more of his/her articles

We're seeing more of it than ever: as heating costs go up, homeowners turn to selective heating to save money. But what about when that selective heating causes plumbing installations and areas of the home to freeze? Then it becomes a liability, and plumbing pros have to know how to handle it safely and responsibly.

From the very first moment when the plumber steps on the scene to answer a frozen pipes call or incident, it's essential that he or she recognizes that this call will take time. Plumbers who are used to the quick fix at the turn of a wrench may be tempted to take matters in a dangerous direction. That's why it's important to pay attention to the unique qualities of a frozen pipes situation and bide time until everything has been fixed and everyone can go home safely. Good attention to specific frozen pipes situations make all of the difference in a crew's reputation and return business for professional plumbers.

For some situations where pipes may be frozen in a specific part of a house, it's as easy as introducing some warm air to the equation. Contractors can try opening doors and introducing some warmer air to the area around a water line. This approach can take a few minutes, but it's a good first step in addressing the problem.

You can choose the alternative of using the hot line until the cold line warms a bit. For corresponding hot and cold water lines, that's all well and good, but when it comes to an isolated line that may have no access to warm air or warm water, the situation may require more patience.

Oversight agencies have identified many incidents where professional plumbers attempted to use open flame to heat a pipe. Professionals should know that this is never a good idea. Introducing open flame to areas that may contain combustibles constitute a real and present threat, not just to the contractor, but to those living in a home. Damage to the home can be great if the wrong type of substances catch fire.

The correct tools for the job include solutions like rag heated with hot water, a conventional hairdryer, were moderate heat packs that can be applied to pipes. The larger the pipe, the longer it will take to unfreeze the line and get water running through it. Superheating solutions can always pose a danger and should be used sparingly, with all due attention to the amount of heat being placed into the pipe area. Upon water reaching a certain critically high temperature in a pipe, the pressure rises due to steam and the resulting bursts can cause injury.

For crew leaders, these same tips apply to the supervision that they give to younger workers. Don't assume that everyone on a crew will follow these general rules, but instead, constantly monitor any work that is being done in your name to avoid costly liabilities.

When it comes to heating up water in frozen pipes, it's just a matter of time. Tell property owners who can't wait that doing the work right is something that requires time and patience. Make sure they know that a thaw is coming in the next season.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: A plumber by trade, Scott Rodgers addresses a wide variety of plumbing issues. Try www.elocalplumbers.com/resources/supplies.php for more pro opinions and supply options.