Tag: pipes

Two-story yellow house with a porch and green lawn, surrounded by autumn foliage, representing Air Works Heating & Air.

Don’t Get Stuck With Frozen Pipes This Winter!

Prevent Freezing Pipes With a Few Simple Steps

While frozen pipes can be a major inconvenience, burst pipes are the real problem. Water is one of the few things that expands when it goes from liquid to solid form, putting strain on the enclosed area of a home’s plumbing. 

When pipes burst, this causes many other problems, including water damage, high water bills, and a need for serious plumbing repair. In the following paragraphs, discover steps to protect a home’s plumbing system against freezing and bursting.

Step #1: Insulate Pipes

Insulating pipes is as important as insulating the home. Not every pipe needs to be insulated because walls do some insulating themselves. The key is insulating exposed pipes that are most likely to freeze. Places such as unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks are prime areas for pipe insulation. It is a simple DIY that’s fast and easy to perform. Pipe insulation looks like pool noodles split like a hot dog bun. Below are some steps to follow should homeowners opt to DIY:

  • Measure: Measure the circumference and length of the pipes to purchase the right amount.
  • Purchase: Go to the hardware store and buy the insulation.
  • Cut: Cut the pipe insulation to the correct length.
  • Place: Wrap the pipes with the insulation.
  • Secure: Fasten the insulation around the pipes with duct tape or something similar.

Step #2: Keep the Temperature Consistent in the House and Open Cabinet Doors

Open kitchen cabinet with organized storage, showcasing cleaning supplies and dishware, emphasizing the importance of allowing heat circulation to prevent pipe freezing in the context of HVAC maintenance.Even if a household is away from the home, the pipes can still freeze. That is why it is important to keep the heat going even when no one is home. If the weather is particularly cold, opening cabinet doors to allow the heat to circulate will help prevent pipe freezing. Reasons to do all this include:

  • Expanding and contracting with the heat and cold can weaken the pipe’s integrity, especially a metal one.
  • Both sewer and supply pipes can freeze, so both should be insulated, and the cabinets surrounding them should be left open. 
  • Pipes can break under the foundation or the ground, but consistent temperatures help spread heat and reduce the chance of this happening. 

Step #3: Cover Hose Bibs After Disconnecting the Hose

Hand disconnecting a hose from an outdoor faucet, highlighting the importance of preparing hose bibs to prevent pipe freezing during cold weather.If one place is a chink in the armor of pipe insulating, it is outdoor faucets. The hose bib is often the location where pipe freezing begins. Disconnecting the hose and using a hose bib cover can prevent many problems. 

This simple preparation can save a household from nasty emergency plumbing problems. A cover can be purchased at a local hardware store. It will cost only a few dollars and could save a homeowner a hefty sum if it prevents freezing and burst pipes.

About Airworks Heating & Air

Airworks Heating & Air serves the Raleigh, NC, area with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. With every appointment, their expert staff offers personalized service and honest advice, never starting work without providing a detailed estimate. Call today to enjoy top-rated plumbing services in Raleigh, NC!

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High-pressure water jetting system inside metal pipe, used for HVAC duct cleaning and maintenance by Air Works Heating & Air.

Drop Those Chemicals and Let Professionals Clear the Pipes With Hydro Jetting

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting is a non-invasive procedure using a specialized hose with high-pressure water that comes out of a nozzle inserted into the clogged sewer line. The hose emits a pressurized water stream that typically goes up to 4,000 PSI, strong enough to eliminate grease, mineral deposits, and other clogs and obstructions. This drain cleaning method effectively clears severe clogs caused by tree roots, accumulated grease, and other stubborn blockages.

To know when you need hydro jetting done in your home, here are some signs of sewer line clogs to watch out for:

  • Recurring clogs 
  • Slow drains throughout the household
  • Gurgling sounds from the drains
  • Backed-up toilets and sinks

When a professional plumber determines that hydro jetting is necessary, they will inspect the pipes using a camera before proceeding. This assessment needs to be done to ensure that the pipes are in good condition and can withstand the highly pressurized process.

Will This Damage the Pipes?

High-pressure water jet nozzle in action, demonstrating hydro jetting process for clearing stubborn sewer line clogs caused by tree roots and grease.A common concern about hydro jetting is its safety for various types of pipes. High pressure water can easily damage older, fragile pipes if used incorrectly. Initially, a professional plumber checks the condition of the pipes before performing the task. Generally, hydro jetting is safe for most types of pipes, including cast iron, PVC, and other pipe materials, as long as they are in good condition.

Hydro jetting is designed to be safe for pipes when performed by experienced plumbing professionals. The process starts by evaluating the pipes with a camera, ensuring there are no existing damages that the high-pressure water could aggravate. This careful approach helps avoid potential or additional harm to fragile or older pipes.

A professional assessment is essential for homes with older plumbing systems before proceeding with hydro jetting. The inspection helps avoid potential damage and ensures the process is safe and effective. Hydro jetting is almost always safe for PVC pipes but can pose risks to older pipes, such as cast iron or clay, which might not withstand the pressure well.

What Are the Benefits of Hydro Jetting?

Hand holding a clogged pipe filled with tree roots and debris, illustrating the need for hydro jetting to clear sewer line blockages.The advantages of hydro jetting are numerous and make it a preferred method for many plumbing professionals:

  1. Thorough Cleaning: Compared to traditional methods like drain snakes or drain augers, which simply punch a hole through the clog, hydro jetting is more efficient because it cleans the entire pipe.
  2. Versatility: Hydro jetting can remove various types of sewer line clogs, such as tree roots, grease, and more formed in residential and commercial plumbing systems.
  3. Eco-Friendly: Hydro-jetting only uses water, making it an eco-friendly choice compared to temporary solutions such as chemical drain cleaners that can harm pipes and the environment.
  4. Preventative Maintenance: Hydro jetting can be used as a preventative measure to keep pipes clear and in good condition, helping avoid more clogs from forming.

About Air Works Heating & Air

Since 2007, Air Works Heating & Air has been a trusted provider of HVAC services in Raleigh, NC, and surrounding areas. This family-owned and operated company is known for its commitment to integrity, trust, and affordable, high-quality service. Air Works Heating & Air ensures customer satisfaction with their flat-rate pricing, NATE-certified technicians, and 1-year warranties on all parts and labor. Call them today for drain cleaning in Raleigh, NC.

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