John's Sewer & Pipe Cleaning, Inc.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Every winter, frozen pipes all across the country freeze and burst causing thousands of dollars of damage. However, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening in your home.

The key is to keep the exposed pipes within your house warm. If they are in cabinets or closets, keep the doors open to circulate warm air. If the pipes are in a crawl space or the garage, try using pipe insulation around the pipes to keep them warm.

If you live in the Boston area, John’s Sewer and Pipe Cleaning, Inc. can help you protect your pipes or, in the case of a burst pipe, get your plumbing system back on track. Call (781) 995-2217 for a free estimate.

Common Winter Pipe Problems and How to Avoid Them

Plumbing problems are extremely common during winter months. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid problems with pipes during the colder months.

• If you notice that you have extremely low water pressure in the middle of a cold snap, it may be worth calling a plumber. Low water pressure is a good indicator of a frozen pipe. To help reduce the risk of a frozen pipe, let a small amount of cold water trickle from various faucets in your house to help keep water running through the pipes when they are most in danger of freezing.
• Make sure you’ve disconnected your garden hoses. Ice can build up inside the hose and increase pressure inside all of your water pipes. This can lead to cracks or even ruptures in your water line. Consider installing an insulated faucet jacket on all of your outside faucets.
• Be sure to keep warm air circulating throughout the house during the winter. If you take a winter vacation, keep the temperature in your home above 55 degrees. It isn’t a bad idea to periodically open cabinet doors to expose the pipes to warmer temperatures as well, especially if they run along an exterior wall.
• Keep any crawl space vents closed and the garage door shut. Crawl spaces and garage doors are frequent locations of exposed pipes that are more susceptible to freezing temperatures. In the event of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for help. 

John’s Sewer and Pipe Cleaning, Inc. has been serving the Boston area since 1976. They specialize in clearing sewer lines and all common residential plumbing situations. Call (781) 995-2217 for more tips on how to keep your pipes working all winter long.

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What to Do When You Have a Plumbing Emergency at Home

A plumbing emergency is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The stress caused by a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet is instantaneous. In every situation, however, there are simple steps that you can take before the plumber arrives to alleviate damage to your home or plumbing system.

• Severe clogs: Some clogs can be remedied with a plunger. If plunger fails, you may have a serious problem with your drain pipe. Call a plumber immediately for a more thorough examination.

• Burst pipes: A burst pipe is serious business. The only thing you can do before calling a plumber is to turn off the main water. Your plumber can locate the section of the pipe that burst and repair or replace it for you.

• Sewage Back-Ups: When sewage backs up into your house, you’ve got a big problem. Call a plumber who specializes in drain clearing or sewer inspections immediately. Sewage is more than just unpleasant—it is a serious health hazard. A trained plumber can keep you safe and protect your pipes.

• Leaks: A damaging leak can be difficult to detect—many leaks aren’t noticed until they’ve done significant damage. The first thing to do is to identify the source of the leak. If you can find the leak, your plumber will be able to patch it immediately. If you can’t, your plumber can use specialized tools to detect it.

John’s Sewer and Pipe Cleaning, Inc. can handle any plumbing emergency in the Boston area, big or small. Call (781) 995-2217 to schedule an appointment, or visit our website to request a free estimate. 

For More Information on Frozen Pipes and Clogged Drains, Visit These Helpful Sites

Our recent blogs have focused on frozen pipes and common plumbing issues like drain clogs. To learn more about these topics and other plumbing concerns, check out the links below. For more information contact John’s Sewer & Pipe Cleaning at (781) 995-2217.

• The Red Cross offers some good suggestions for preventing frozen pipes, and what to do when they freeze.
• Take a look at this article for some good tips on how to avoid frozen pipes.
• This website has some good information on dealing with plumbing emergencies.
• How do you know what grease trap is right for you? This article is an example of grease trap sizing criteria.
• Learn about how you can save energy and money by lowering your water heater temperature.