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Alternate Repair of a Freezing Pipe

Freezing pipes is one of the reasons why the pipe burst. When the pipe burst,  it can be a reason for real catastrophes as ice melts and water flows freely into your home; that flow can do thousands of dollars in damage. So before this scenario occurs, you must prevent the frozen water line to cause the pipes to burst. From a simple DIY to professional advice, any methods can help as long as the process is not that hard to follow. But it is always safe to let the experts handle the job.


What Comprises Pipe Freezing?


Pipe freezing comprises the use of a special plumbing kit with freeze heads. It uses a different type of refrigerant to create a small block of ice in the pipe, stopping the flow of water. During significant repairs, a shutoff valve can be installed across the ice plug to prevent the water flow-this usually happens when the restoration lasts beyond the useful life of the ice plug.


When the flow of water stops in the pipe, the repair takes place as usual. Using the ice plug to control the flow of water, it will dissolve after a short time. The water service will automatically restore the affected pipes. In installing a shutoff valve, the plumber opens the valve to restore water service and check for further leaks. For more plumbing advice, you may check out burst pipe repair Minneapolis, MN.


Reasons Why Pipe Burst


When water freezes, it expands to about 9% and grows enormously.  The pressure inside the pipes can range from 40 pounds per square inch to 40,000 psi! No line can withstand that much pressure, so it opens. The break can occur where ice forms, repeatedly, it appears where the water pressure finds a weak spot in the pipe. It could be inches or even feet from the freezing area.


Methods of Preventing the Pipes from Freezing


The first sign of ice buildup in the pipes is showing a slow drip of the faucets. Attend to it quickly when the flow is slow to drip during a cold snap, or you're suspecting the pipes are weak. Here's how to make sure the pipes don't freeze.

          Turn on the heat.

          Place fans to blow up the heat in cold rooms.

          Open the doors of the vanity or cabinet to let the hot air reach the pipes under the sinks.

          For exposed pipes inside cupboards or pantries, leave the doors open.

          Disconnect garden hoses from external faucets. Even "frostproof" taps burst if a hose is connected.

          Be sure to keep the garage door closed.

If you reduce water flow, heat the most pipes (usually in basements ) with a blow dryer. Leave the faucet on as you apply heat. As you melt the ice, the flow gets to increase.

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