Monday, December 16, 2013

What Are The Steps To Take If My Pipes Freeze?

The following are a few helpful tips from AquaTech Plumbing to keep your home in good working order this winter:
  • As temperatures reach freezing and dip far below it, be sure to close all air vents and other openings in the crawl space under your house. This will prevent heat from escaping as much as possible. 
  • In freezing weather, never set your home's thermostat below 55 degrees. Below that temperature your pipes are at risk of freezing. 
  • Insulate pipes that are prone to freezing, such as those near an outside wall, in unheated areas of your home, or if they are exposed, such as outside spigots. In an emergency, several layers of newspapers or rags can be used for temporary insulation.
  • Keep the cover to your water meter box securely in place to prevent the meter from freezing during cold periods.
  • In extremely cold weather, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to keep warm air circulating.
If Your Pipes Freeze:
  • We warn against using a hair dryer, heat lamp or light bulb to thaw the frozen pipe yourself. Too much heat in one spot can burst the pipe, and it is difficult to evenly distribute the heat over a large area of the pipe. Also, using any electrical appliance to thaw a pipe can be dangerous because the appliance could become wet, increasing your danger of electrocution.
  • DO NOT use a blow torch or any type of flame to thaw a frozen line. In addition to the danger of fire, extreme heat could thaw the pipe too rapidly, causing it to burst and resulting in potential injury and damage to your property. 
If you live in the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance in keeping your home in tip-top shape this winter season.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Is My Water Heater Ready For The Winter Months?

There is nothing like a hot shower or bath on a cold winter morning. We get in and never want to get out. Unless of course we are forced out by the absence of hot water.

How ready is your water heater for the winter months? In order to avoid those unbearable moments where the hot water runs out, follow these simple steps to ensure that your home's water heater won't leave you out in the cold.

First, improve water heater pipe insulation to combat cold water problems in the winter months. This is especially important for tanks that are near an outside wall, in the garage, or other non-insulated spaces that are more susceptible to the elements. Invest in pipe insulation or heat tape and wrap the pipes well. Consult our experts for professional advise.

Investigate the area surrounding the water heater for drafts, cold spots, or cold walls. Any compromises in the insulation can lead to costly waste. Consider resealing any nearby windows, adding caulk to sills, and adding insulation to the walls surrounding the water heater.

Call us if you cannot get enough hot water for your family's comfort. The sooner you get water heater repair, the better, as units in bad repair are less efficient, more costly to operate, and can cause water damage if it begins to leak.

Do a thorough examination of your home's water heater today. If you live in the Naperville-Plainfield-Aurora, Geneva-Batavia-St.Charles or Wheaton-Winfield-Warrenville-Glen Ellyn area, contact AquaTech Plumbing at 630-416-3555, 630-377-9555, or 630-462-3555 for assistance in keeping your water heater in good working order.